Published 11/02/2021 by Oregon Tree Care
There are many reasons you may want to remove a tree on your property. Maybe it’s expensive to maintain, maybe it’s hanging over your neighbor’s yard, or maybe you want to build an addition or put in a pool and your tree is in the way. But trees are absolutely essential to the health of our environment, and there are lots of ways to get around these issues without cutting down an otherwise healthy tree.
So before you decide to remove a healthy tree, it’s important to really think about the environmental impact and whether or not it’s actually your best option. Keep reading to find out about 1) the environmental benefits of trees, 2) the environmental cost of tree removal, and 3) alternative solutions to consider.
Environmental benefits of trees
It’s well known that trees are essential to the health of our planet and our local ecosystems. In fact, about 80% of all known terrestrial plant and animal species live in forests, because trees provide necessary food, shelter, and protection. In the Pacific Northwest, trees are especially important, covering almost half of Oregon’s 61-million acres.
Here are just a few of the countless ways that trees benefit the environment in Oregon and around the world:
- • They help sustain wildlife.
- • They supply oxygen and clean the air.
- • They’re great for temperature regulation.
- • They store atmospheric carbon.
- • They prevent erosion.
Other advantages of healthy trees
At Oregon Tree Care, we’re true arborists and dedicated tree enthusiasts! So of course we can give you endless reasons not to cut down a healthy tree. But most people don’t commit their entire lives to tree care and preservation, and we get that. The environment isn’t the only reason to keep your healthy trees intact! There are lots of other advantages to healthy trees. Here are just a few of them:
- • They’re good for our health and happiness.
- • They can increase home values.
- • They look beautiful.
- • They’re great for reducing noise pollution.
- • They add privacy and shade.
- • They reduce heating and cooling costs.
The negative environmental effects of tree removal
Most people have some idea about the devastating impacts of deforestation on the environmental health of our planet. Because trees are such a vital component of sustaining a healthy environment, removing even just one unnecessarily can be harmful.
Loss of habitat for animal species
When it comes to biodiversity, every tree matters. In fact, entomologist Douglas Tallamy asserted that a single oak tree can support over 4,000 different species of animals and insects. When you remove a healthy tree from your property, you could be destroying the home of any number of species.
Harm to native plants
Trees help other plants grow and thrive. Their deep roots draw water up to the earth’s surface, making it available to surrounding plant life. They help nearby trees by transferring nutrients to them and even increase these nutrients when they detect other trees and plants in distress. That’s why removing a healthy tree can harm other plants on your property and make it harder for them to survive.
Increased pollution
Trees are wonderful for removing pollution from the air. A single mature tree can remove almost 50 pounds of carbon dioxide from the air in its lifetime. Having trees on your property and near your home improves the quality of the air you breathe. Therefore, removing a healthy tree can worsen air quality.
Temperature deregulation
Trees help cool the air in a couple of ways. The most obvious way is by shading the surrounding areas. Reducing the amount of sunlight that hits your property and home reduces the amount of energy that gets absorbed. They also cool the air through “transpiration” cooling, which occurs when a tree releases water into the atmosphere, transforming it from liquid to vapor. When you remove a tree, the nearby temperature rises and disrupts the natural environment.
Increased energy usage
This impact occurs as a result of the temperature deregulation discussed above. When you remove a tree from your property, these cooling effects are reduced significantly. Not only does this reduce air quality and increase temperature, but it also means you’ll end up using more energy to cool your home.
Alternatives to cutting down a healthy tree
At Oregon Tree Care, we’re all about preservation. We never want to cut down a healthy tree. That said, we understand that homeowners want to make the best use possible out of their property, and sometimes a tree is in the way. We’re dedicated to working with homeowners to find the best solution for them and their trees.
Most of the time, there is a better alternative to cutting down a healthy tree. The options include cutting and pruning, bracing and cabling, and strategically planting trees and other plants to optimize the appearance and usability of your home and property.
Work with Oregon Tree Care to preserve your trees and our environment for years to come!
If you own property in the Portland area and are looking for tree experts you can trust to give you honest, solid advice and care for the trees on your property, you’ve come to the right place. Oregon Tree Care is here to ensure you (and your trees) get comprehensive, expert service no matter what.
Browse our website to find out more about us and how we can help you. Don’t hesitate to call us at (503) 929-9437 oor contact us online to set up a consultation and request a free quote.