Arbor Day: Create a Legacy by Planting Trees
By Jeff Peterson
Plans to reduce the release of greenhouse gases that are causing climate change often focus on topics like switching from gas- to electric-powered cars or using electric heat pumps rather than gas-fired furnaces. But it is important to remember that preserving trees and tree canopy is also a great way to fight climate change. And Arbor Day, which is Friday, April 28, is a perfect time to help the climate, and do future generations a big favor by planting a tree.
How Do Trees Fight Climate Change?
Trees help fight climate change in three direct ways:
Trees consume carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) and store the carbon, thus decreasing the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Trees use carbon dioxide during photosynthesis to produce sugars, which provide energy for trees, emitting oxygen as a by-product of the process. An average-size tree can eliminate hundreds of pounds of carbon dioxide over its lifetime.
Trees reduce energy use. Neighborhoods well-shaded with street trees can be up to 6-10 degrees cooler than neighborhoods without, reducing the heat-island effect and overall energy needs. Three trees properly placed around a house can save up to 30% of energy use. Trees or shrubs planted to shade air conditioners help cool a building more efficiently, using as much as 10% less electricity.
Trees help people deal with the impacts of a changing climate. Warmer air temperatures resulting from a changing climate can result in “heat islands” in urban areas and a range of human health impacts including respiratory difficulties and heat stroke. Climate change is also resulting in more intense rainfall, and trees soak up rainfall (up to 150 gallons daily) to help reduce local flooding and stormwater pollution.
“Planting a tree just once a year may not sound like a lot, but if you start at age 30 and live to 90, you will gift the world a forest of 60 trees, many of which will last for more than 100 years.”
Of course, trees also have benefits beyond those related to climate change. Urban landscaping, including trees, helps lower crime rates. Studies show that urban vegetation slows heartbeats, lowers blood pressure, and relaxes brain wave patterns. Trees provide important habitats for numerous bird, insect and animal species. And, homes landscaped with trees sell more quickly and are worth 5–15 percent more than homes without trees.
What You Can Do for More Trees
Planting a tree is a great way to fight climate change and it is something that many people in Falls Church can do. And, what better time to plant a tree than on Arbor Day, or the weekend after?
You can find a selection of trees at local nurseries, including small trees you can plant yourself and bigger trees they can plant for you. Please plant only native trees.
Another option is to request that Falls Church City plant a tree in front of your house. The Falls Church Neighborhood Tree Program (NTP) can help you plant a tree. Use this form to request a tree.
If you do not have a place for a tree, you can donate to the Neighborhood Tree Program at the Falls Church Farmers Market booth managed by the Village Preservation and Improvement Society (all donations go to the NTP) to support planting trees here in Falls Church.
Finally, you also might consider donating to the tree-planting program managed by the Arbor Day Foundation.
Planting a tree just once a year may not sound like a lot, but if you start at age 30 and live to 90, you will gift the world a forest of 60 trees, many of which will last for more than 100 years.