If you have ever asked yourself about how important it is to have trees in the environment or had a niggling sense of guilt when you turn on your air conditioner then this article will be a great read for you. As gardeners, somehow we have a natural tendency to appreciate the beauty of nature but we often forget about some of the other important aspects that trees and greenspaces give to us when they are part of our landscapes.
It doesn’t matter where you plant trees in your community or your landscape as they all help to fight climate change. Plants are such a wonderful thing as they can harness light energy from the sun and create usable energy through the process of photosynthesis. It is also true that through this natural process of photosynthesis, trees will also absorb pollutant particulates, carbon dioxide and then store the carbon and emit or release pure oxygen.
For your landscape, if you plant deciduous trees on the south and west sides of your home it will help keep your home cooler in summer and still allow the sun to warm your home during our cooler months. The bonus of making your landscape more beautiful could also save you up to 30 per cent of the energy used to both heat and cool your home. Another thought is utilizing trees or shrubs to shade your air conditioners so the unit will stay cooler and work more efficiently than an air conditioner in full sun.
Good planning and development of our green spaces allow urban residents to have access to safe green spaces and to reconnect with nature. Studies show that those who live closer to green environments have a significantly reduced rate of death. For every 10% increase in greenspace, there is also a related significant increase in health. Green spaces increase physical activity which in turn reduces obesity. There is a significant decrease in stress which also improves both mental and physical health. Green spaces will decrease urban noise which also will benefit overall health.
Green spaces will significantly increase the property value of surrounding homes and businesses but they also serve many other functions in a community. Attractive and proper placement of softscape materials will make it easier for people to locate a business. The framework provided by trees and vegetation can serve as a form of focal point which enhances the buildings that are present.
Business districts that are adjacent to green spaces show an increase in customer satisfaction. When shopping, customers will spend more on individual items and will purchase more items as well. Employees and residents will both be happier in environments that have a view of green spaces and have shown to be more productive. Sick time by employees is also decreased.
There is a significant amount of energy conservation possible with properly planted trees and shrubs. They reduce the need to heat in the cooler seasons if the buildings are sheltered from the wind by the landscape. In the warmer seasons, trees and vegetation that shade the buildings from the sun during the heat of the day will reduce the cooling needed for the comfort of those inhabiting the buildings.
Watch next week for more on the value of trees and greenspaces in our outdoor spaces.
Hanbidge is the Lead Horticulturist with Orchid Horticulture. Find us at ; by email at [email protected]; on Facebook @orchidhort and Instagram at #orchidhort. Tune into GROW Live on our Facebook page or check out the Youtube channel GROW
