Counter Global Warming with our Trees
September 23, 2007 · Print This Article
I just read an article in the Toronto Star that shared an interesting fact about our trees.
“…two 32 foot trees will produce enough oxygen to supply a person’s needs for a year” (Shelly Sanders Greer, Toronto Star, September 22).
The article goes on to note that trees and shrubs, if they are planted in the right places can “significantly lower heating and cooling costs and intercept rainfall, which reduces runoff.
Our backyard has two enormous trees that are at least 32 ft. and I can vouch for their effectiveness in lowering our energy costs. Our maples provide lots of shade and pleasant breezes in the summer that cool off the back of our home eliminating the need for air conditioning on many days.
Unfortunately it appears that quite a few new home developments are not planted with enough trees and even when there are sufficient trees planted often times they don’t thrive because developers leave behind poor soil. If you are in a new subdivision and can relate to this kind of situation encourage your local government to put in place more rigorous standards for developers regarding soil. You can also go to your local professional nursery with a soil sample to see if they can tell you whether your soil needs some help.
For those of you who are city dwellers and live in one of those communities where you have great old trees…take care of them! Make sure you don’t have any of those pests that ravage trees. Best of all enjoy the fall…even the raking since it’s great exercise for our waists and it gives you a great reason to relax with some warm apple cider or a glass of wine after the work is done!
Tags: Gardening, Green Living, New Urbanism
I agree with you about the trees. People should take care of them which includes pruning them by professionals, and making sure they are adequately cared for.
As for soil testing, there are kits online to see what your soil needs such as outsidepride.com. In NJ, all of our counties have agricultural extension where you can pick up a soil testing kit which will test your soil for your lawn, trees, etc. Other states may have the same program.
After you are done raking, take all those leaves and put them in a pile or store them to be used as the “brown” part for composting for the next summer. Last year I saved 2 bags of leaves and this year I am going to save 4. I did not save enough last year!
Nice post about trees. anna http://www.green-talk.com