Gone are the days when homeowners chose trees only because of how they looked in their yard. There is an increasing understanding that making wise and educated choices can reduce our environmental impact. Small, positive choices and changes can really add up in terms of helping out the environment. Trying to maintain trees that are not suited to the location or climate can be a surprisingly big source of negative environmental impact, from the need for excessive fertilizer to intense water consumption. (And making good choices for the environment often also has the consequence of reducing water consumption and therefore water bills, which isn’t a bad thing, either.) Choosing trees suitable to your climatic and soil conditions is an easy way to make positive environmental choices – all it takes is a little planning and research to make the right choice.
(The best tree varieties for environmental impact will vary significantly by your geographic region. Definitely check how well these apply to your specific situation.)
Oak
Oak trees have broad, flat leaves that allow them to use photosynthesis to convert carbon dioxide to oxygen very efficiently. Oaks are also known as great shade trees, which, when planted strategically, can also help to reduce home cooling needs, and thus further reducing emissions. Oak trees have the added bonus of beautiful fall foliage, and these fallen leaves can be repurposed into compost or mulch that can be used instead of harmful chemicals.
Desert Ironwood Tree
Different environments necessitate different trees. As great as an Oak tree is in Ohio, it would require tons of extra watering in Arizona. So, for desert dwellers, choosing trees that are appropriate for their area, and which cope well with the low-rain climate, is going to be the right choice. The Desert Ironwood is drought-resistant, and is a good desert shade tree, which can reduce cooling costs and resultant environmental impacts.
Silver Maple
The Silver Maple has been singled out by various environmental organizations as one of the best trees for the environment. It is known as the top carbon-trapper of all trees, and it is a hardy species that is both moderately drought and flood resistant, meaning that it won’t require additional watering during slightly dry periods.
Tulip Poplar
The Tulip Poplar has been noticed as the tree that pulls the most carbon out of the atmosphere per year of growth, partly due to its relatively fast growth. These trees are also beautiful in the spring with lovely blossoms, and they are very strong, despite their fast growth rate.
White Pine
Pines are the best trees in the conifer family in terms of trapping atmospheric carbon, and white pines stand out amongst the pines.
All Trees!
It has been stated by environmental experts around the world that one of the best things that can be done for the planet is to plant more trees in general. As trees grow, they literally trap the carbon out of the air and convert it into their trunks, branches and leaves. You can increase that positive potential by planting the right trees for your area, certainly, but in general, planting a tree is better than not planting one, and planting a tree that is right for your area is always the very best choice. It’s a good idea to plant a variety of trees, too, so that any infestation or disease that affects only some types of trees won’t have the potential to hurt all of your trees at the same time. Not sure which tree variety will make the most environmental impact in your particular area? Call a local tree service company or professional arborist to ask how you can plant the right trees to help the planet. Here in Cincinnati, here at Tree Images we’re always happy to help local homeowners who are looking to reduce their environmental impact by responsibly planting new trees.
