How’s Your Eco-System?

Yup,  you’ve got one and it’s right outside your door.  Our lawns, shrubs, trees and gardens make up an important part of Urban Nature.  

Trees are major contributors but often don’t get the attention and care until the situation is dire.

Our trees provide flood protection, pollinator activity, filtering of potable water and climate stability. Even right here in our back (and front) yards.

Because we’re going to be heading into storm season – both hurricane and snow storms – many people think of the possibility of their trees falling and so they want to take them down.  Sometimes this is the best solution to potential problems.

And sometimes the best solution is getting those trees pruned – which rids them of  deadwood, creates more stability and eliminates the possibility of serious accidents.  Trees are not inherently dangerous.  But the conditions we subject them to can cause problems.

Which brings us back to our Eco-System.  Trees can modify our local microclimate of solar radiation, wind speed, air temperature and relative humidity. By planting trees strategically in residential areas household energy consumption can  be reduced. We are also now seeing the creation of urban orchards, gardens and small farms.  The surrounding landscapes and their ability to support pollinators are a crucial support system.

The experience of nature also helps to improve our health… increasing our ability to concentrate and focus, and can even improve heart rate and blood pressure!

You may find that removing some of your trees is necessary.  You may also find that  pruning those trees gives you the results you want.  And you may find that planting trees is one of the best things you can do for your Eco-System.  (Fall is an excellent time for planting too.)  Trees always add value to our property … both in dollars and intangible benefits.

Create and sustain your Eco-System.  As a certified Arborist, part of my job is to help you do it.  Together we can make our world Green and Beautiful.

Tim Bradley  – Certified Arborist