The Problem with Trees….
I started writing about trees, and I felt my blog was getting a little long, so below is the first in a series of blogs I will be writing about the issue of street trees in Philadelphia. Thanks for reading!
The bad news is, Philadelphia has the smallest percentage of tree canopy coverage of any other major city in on the east coast. Worse than that, we continue to lose more trees every year than we plant. Some of it is out of our control- trees die of old and disease, and it’s necessary to remove then. Then there are people, many of them live in my neighborhood, who think trees are a nuisance and cut down the healthy ones right in front of their house? A nuisance, you might ask, but that is preposterous! These residents, who I have tried to reason with, believe trees are more trouble than they are worth, that they attract animal excretions and trash, they bust up the cement, and drop all these leaves that are annoying to sweep up.
If these residents would take a minute to listen, I could explain a few benefits that far outweigh their perceptions of the disadvantages- some might even be news to tree lovers!
1. Trees help lower your energy bills- in the summertime the cast shade onto your home so your air conditioner or fans don’t have to work so hard. In the winter, they absorb cold wind gusts heading toward your house to reduce the work of your heater.
2. Trees can help your basement flood less! Besides the trash in the sewers, one of the reasons we have bad surface water control and our basements in Philadelphia flood is because there is no where else for the water to go. More planted trees mean less concrete (that water just sits on top of) and more dirt that absorbs the water so less of it is flowing on the pavement and into the cracks allowing it into your home!
3. Homes on tree lined streets are proven to sell for up to 20% more than identical homes on barren streets.
4. Less crime is committed on tree lined streets.
5. People who live and work in spaces where trees are visible through the windows are found to be happier, less stressed, and more productive than people who live and work in spaces with no greenery in sight.
6. More oxygen. Living in a city is not good for your lungs, but most of us city folk know that living anywhere else but a major metropolitan is just plain boring. Trees naturally clean the air for us so we live longer and healthier!
And the list goes on and on and on
So now what do you do if I have convinced you to plant a tree in front of your house? It’s expensive, right? NO! It’s free. Stay tuned for my next blog about Philly Tree Tenders and how to apply to get a free tree by next fall!