Some Monday mornings don’t work out well. One such morning happened recently when a caretaker approached my boss and crew. I was busy and didn’t really worry about his caretaker problems until he started talking about useless trees! What the ….?
Useless tree
This must be every ISA certified arborist’s favourite oxymoron. I could feel my blood pressure rising with every passing second. Was this his first fall? He was clearly panicked about the coming leaf avalanches which mess up both the parking lot and adjoining tennis court.
If we could cut the mature maple tree down he’d be happy. Luckily, it’s 2018 and by-laws are in place to protect the mindless elimination of healthy city trees.
Ecosystem services
So let’s review why it’s a great idea to keep this healthy, mature maple tree.
Trees provide us with numerous ecosystem services for free. The biggest item is oxygen production. Without this gas the caretaker’s lungs would become useless in seconds. But there’s more. Can you think of others?
Shade and wind protection are two obvious benefits. Cut the tree down and the tennis courts heat up; and wind blows through.
Trees also suck up pollutants and store them which is why we need them. Unless you think Global Warming is fake news.
We now know that trees also produce and release chemicals that benefit our health. Read the Biophilia effect.
Trees also provide hiding places for insects and birds. And their fruits are consumed by various animals.
Trees also look fantastic. I love driving up to this site and seeing the mature trees. It triggers biophilia in most people; caretakers are evidently unaffected.
Trees also regulate water in forests so we don’t get massive flash floods; they also anchor the soil with their roots.
If you ask the caretaker nicely he might give you the leaves so you can use them as mulch in your garden. Leaf piles are also fun for kids to play in. Make sure the kids know why trees drop their leaves.
A good day
I didn’t let the caretaker ruin my day. I enjoyed my day and planned this blog post in my head.
Trees are good and beautiful. If you’re still not convinced, please read the killer bestseller written by Peter Wohlleben, “The hidden life of trees.”
