Trees

Trees Are Beneficial In Landscaping

When planning for a beautifully landscaped yard, you consider all of the plants and flowers that you desire, but sometimes trees are forgotten. Trees protect the atmosphere and the environment of an area. They can be pleasing to the eye while offering much-needed nutrients to other plant life. Humans benefit greatly from the many resources provided by trees. One of the significant benefits of having trees as part of your landscape is climate control. The atmosphere is full of excess carbon dioxide, which can pose a potential danger. The trees absorb the elements, remove the carbon, and releases the oxygen back into the atmosphere.

Trees also help to cleanse the air by absorbing the gases in many pollutants, and many other odors

Trees benefit the environment in several ways. First, like plants, they engage in the process of photosynthesis. When sunlight strikes chlorophyll in a leaf, it initiates a process which ultimately releases oxygen from carbon dioxide and water. This natural process helps create the oxygen in the air breathed by animals and humans.

Second, trees help prevent soil erosion. Their roots sometimes extend deep into the ground, anchoring the trunk in place and also compacting loose earth in the immediate vicinity. This beneficial activity remains one reason why forest managers seek to re-plant the vegetation in areas impacted by forest fires. Erosion significantly increases the risk of mudslides in damaged areas. The growth of new saplings in a location helps hold loose soil in place.

Third, these plants supply an important cooling role in most yards and gardens. When aerial photographers snap thermal images of cities, for example, the areas covered by pavement and asphalt appear a few degrees warmer than locations filled with plant life. To some extent, leafy branches furnish not only shade but cooler ground coverings than human-made structures.

Fourth, rapidly growing trees sometimes serve as natural windbreaks. In rural locations, residents seeking to reduce the impact of heavy winds on homes and livestock shelters, plant multiple tight rows to serve as barriers against blowing debris and gusting breezes. Many species of evergreens offer particular value in this respect.

Fourth, these important plants serve a vital aesthetic role in landscaping. Whether deciduous or evergreen, the beauty of green, vibrant leaves and flowering branches helps decorate a lawn in a truly eye-catching way. Lovely and available in a multitude of sizes, colors, and conformations, they play an essential role in enhancing the "curb appeal" of homes and businesses.

Fifth, tree-trunks and fruits offer significant, highly sustainable, natural resources. Many builders rely upon lumber as an essential construction material. Harvested fruits feed humans, and wildlife.

Trees that are Beneficial for Temperature Control and Clean the Air

Trees protect and aid our environment in a variety of ways. They help combat global warming. They cool overheated urban areas. Trees contribute to ocean and soil health. There is less water runoff and soil erosion when trees are planted. They are considered a healer of the earth.

 

Trees help defend our planet against global warming. Elevated levels of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, is a by-product of the rapid growth of modern urbanization. Through a process called carbon sequestration, trees capture carbon dioxide, and other pollutants, from the atmosphere. They store the carbon in their trunks, branches, and roots whichis converted into plant material. Then, through photosynthesis, the plant material uses sunlight to generate the clean oxygen which we breathe. A mature leafy tree produces as much oxygen in a season as ten people would breathe in one year.

 

Trees also protect the ocean environment. When carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere become too high, then the balance is absorbed by the ocean. This creates ocean acidification, which affects the health of marine life.

 

Trees create shade. During hot summer months, tree shade can lower the outside air temperature by 12 degrees F. During colder months; trees become useful windbreaks which reduce snowdrifts and protect soil behind the windbreak from drying out.

 

In addition to providing shade and protection, a row of trees creates a sound barrier, much like a stone wall, to block the noise from freeways and airports.

 

Water runoff and soil erosion are dramatically reduced by planting more trees. The canopy of a mature tree can intercept and slow down nearly 1000 gallons of rainwater per year. This minimizes soil erosion and channels the water into underground aquifers. The microbes around the root structure are nourished and recharged -- the result is healthy, nutrient-rich soil.

 

Every tree that is planted leads to a healthier planet

 

Top 5 Fast Growing Trees

Silver Maple Tree

 

Characteristics-

 

Wide leaf blades of the silver maple tree allow for twisting and turning to show off the silvery underside. The colorful display can be seen throughout rural areas of zones 3-9. The silver maple tree thrives in the moist soil of wetlands and along river banks.

 

Conditions for Growth-

 

However, they are adaptable to clay, organic, or dry, rocky soil. Native to inland Eastern states of America, the silver maple can increase to 80 feet tall and 60 feet wide. Full or partial sun is ideal for these fast-growing trees.

 

Red Maple Tree

 

Characteristics-

 

The red maple tree is a popular shade tree found throughout the Eastern United States. Budding red twigs and vibrant red flowers in the spring, the leaves turn a breathtaking red during the fall months. Considered fast-growing trees, red maples are perfect for landscaping.

 

Conditions for Growth-

 

Regardless of the soil type or environment, the red maple tree will thrive. It is very tolerant of pollution and will grow quickly to heights of 40 to 60 feet and a width of 25 to 45 feet when planted in direct sun.

 

Tulip Tree

 

Characteristics-

 

Amazing flowers of orange, yellow and green are commonly seen on these fast-growing trees. Akin to the magnolia family, the flowers stay in bloom throughout spring, summer, and into the fall seasons. Native to Illinois in North America, they grow well in zones 5-9.

 

Conditions for Growth-

 

The tulip tree can grow to heights of 90 feet and a width of 50 feet. They love well-drained acidic soil but are tolerant of alkaline soil. Full sunlight makes the tulip tree a colorful addition to landscapes in yards and along streets.

 

Redbud 

 

Characteristics-

 

The redbud tree is also known as the Judas tree and is small in size. Reaching only 30 feet tall, these fast-growing trees have reddish flower buds. Different varieties of the redbud tree can be found throughout the Eastern United States.

 

Conditions for Growth-

 

Even though these fast-growing trees appear dainty, they are deep-rooted and resistant to wind, ice and snow. Plant in moist, well-drained soil for best results. They are also tolerant of clay and alkaline soils. Redbuds make a perfect shade tree for small spaces and the purplish-pink blossoms deliver a colorful natural display.

 

Weeping Willow Tree

 

Characteristics-

 

Weeping willows are majestic with their round, weeping shape. A favorite spot for the weeping willow tree is along river banks, wetlands, and lakes. They provide excellent shade and help to prevent soil erosion. These fast-growing trees can reach heights of 10 feet with a 40-foot spread and grows at a rate of 24 inches per year.

 

Conditions for Growth-

 

While the weeping willow tree favors moist soil, it is tolerant to acidic, alkaline, loamy, sandy, and clay soils. These fast-growing trees have also been known to resist drought conditions. Full sun in zones 6-8 is recommended for best results.