Did you know that the trees and palms in your landscapes work for you? They provide several ecosystem services. What are ecosystem services? They are services that are freely done by the environment that would require us to create expensive infrastructure to attempt to replicate. As a result these ecosystem services are also economic benefits.
The number of benefits depend on the tree or palm species and size, but all trees and palms provide benefits. Benefits can be categorized into water, soil, wildlife, wind, health, climate, and economic benefits.
Water Benefits
One of the key reasons for tree use in urban settings is to help mitigate issues from runoff. The roots of trees and palms collect water during rainstorms, reducing the runoff going into the stormwater system. This also helps to reduce the amount of nutrient-rich water that enters lakes and streams. This reduces water pollution. Another benefit of the roots holding the water in place is that it allows water to percolate down to the aquifer. In turn, this also helps to reduce flooding.
Soil Benefits
While all plants help to reduce erosion control because the roots help to hold the soil in place, the more extensive root systems of trees and palms have a greater impact. Trees also drop leaves, which is allowed to break down on site, help to improve soil quality with the addition of organic matter. The breakdown of leaves adds nutrients to the soil that feeds the soil microbiome and surrounding plants.
Wildlife Benefits
When thinking about wildlife benefits, we must think about what they need. Animals need food for all life stages, shelter from predators, to rest, to raise young, and to hunt from, and water. All trees and palms provide at least one of these wildlife needs. If you want to attract or repel certain wildlife, correct tree/palm choice can help with that. For example if you want to attract birds, you need something that produces berries, if you want to keep mammals away, do not pick a tree with fleshy fruit or nuts. Contact your local extension office for more information about trees/palms and wildlife.
Wind Benefits
I often hear fear when talking with homeowners about trees and palms. This is often because of the assumption that a hurricane will take down their tree. While we cannot predict hurricanes, correctly managing our trees and palms reduces this risk. Also, removing because something might happen eliminated the benefits. Did you know that trees and palms reduce wind speed, reducing the impact on your home? This also helps to keep your home warm in the cooler months.
Climate/Weather Benefits
Trees and palms have several benefits to the local climate. Trees create shade, reducing temperature. This can reduce energy costs for building cooling. This also reduces temperatures under the trees, creating locations to escape the heat in the summer. Trees help to cool paved areas, reducing the surrounding temperature. Trees also take carbon and other pollutants out of the atmosphere that help to reduce local temperature.
Health Benefits
In general, spending time in any green space provides a collection of health benefits including reduced blood pressure, stress reduction, improved mental health, and increased happiness. This is true of your landscape as well. Think of it as your own personal oasis.
Economic Benefits
Some of the benefits above have direct economic benefits. These include energy savings, savings in infrastructure, reduced health costs, and the increase property value.
Ensuring trees and palms are cared for correctly ensures that they live long lives, providing a greater number of benefits as they age. Now that you know what trees and palms do for you, what can you do for your trees and palms?
Additional Resources
The Benefits of Trees in the Landscape
Planting Trees for Energy Savings
The Arbor Day Foundation-Tree Value
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