Let’s plant trees By Lisa Pedersen “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” —Chinese proverb
T
rees are all around us in the rural landscape. Everyone has a different outlook on trees. To a child, they represent a world of adventure, of summer afternoons spent climbing or building hideaways. To the homeowner, they are a source of shade and privacy and a focal point of attractiveness. To the arborist and the landscape architect, they are a tool for defining open spaces and for providing a transition between buildings and streets. Unfortunately, trees are removed by people wishing to improve their lakefront view. Treed lots are cleared to build new subdivisions and business parks. The area surrounding the 401 corridor between Kingston and Napanee is not as green as it used to be – the result of rapid growth and expansion. Times are changing though. Landowners are reforesting their rural properties and there is a new interest in urban forests, as people understand the importance of a revitalized, naturalized environment. So what’s the big deal? “The world has already lost 80% of our original forests.” —United Nations Environment Programme Let’s consider the importance of trees:
Economic Benefits: Savings. Planting shade trees on the south and west faces of your house can
reduce summer cooling bills. Planting conifers to the north and west of a building provides a windbreak in winter and shelters our homes from wind and snow. The impacts of wind and rain are muted. Winter heating bills are reduced. Studies have shown that well-treed businesses project a warm, welcoming, and inviting atmosphere for shoppers who tend to linger and spend more time shopping, resulting in increased sales for those merchants. Higher property values. Mark Cullen says, “A survey of 1350 real estate agents showed that 85% believe that a home with trees would be as much as 20% more saleable than a home without trees. Why do trees add value to property? They beautify it by bringing shape, flowers, and colour, and combining with architecture in striking ways.
Environmental Benefits: CO2. Through photosynthesis trees store carbon dioxide and emit oxygen – the more trees, the more carbon is sequestered, and the less carbon dioxide contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Trees also help curb what is known as Heat Island effect (when it’s hotter in town than out in the country). Curbing Heat Island Effect helps reduce energy use. Habitat. Trees provide habitat for wildlife – shelter, nest sites, and food. They can also provide a significant food source for humans in annual harvests of fruit and nuts. Global Warming and Severe Weather.
Robert Storring
Broker
OFFICES 44 Industrial Blvd. Napanee
CONTACT Direct: Office: Toll Free:
14 Concession St. Tamworth A REAL GEM! A classic 1930’s house in Tamworth. Home features large eat in kitchen with original birch cupboards, formal dining room for entertaining, living room and separate den. Upper level has 4 or 5 bedrooms, including nursery, front and back stairs & full bath. Hardwood floors, cedar trim, glass panel French doors & closed in sun porch. The garage has room for all the toys and the cars. Services have been updated including septic, wiring, windows etc. See www.classiccharacterhome.com $279,900 MLS 15608163 DO THE WORK/SAVE LOTS Country home on Martin Drive near Newburgh has had all the tough stuff done. New roof and trusses, updated heating, plumbing, electric, spray foam insulated basement with walk out, dry walling where needed, deck, and there is enough hardwood to complete downstairs. Home is 3 or 4 bdrms, eat-in kitchen, decks & double garage. Don’t miss it! See www.ruralcountryhome.com $184,500 MLS 15608565
613-379-2903 613-354-4347 1 866-233-2062 storring@kos.net robert.storring@century21.ca
Sun shower among trees. Photo by Lisa Pedersen. Trees are important factors in reversing the effects of major environmental crises such as global warming, species loss, and drought. During a storm, the canopy and root systems of trees act as a both a sponge and a filter, cleaning the water as it seeps into the water table and reducing storm water runoff. Forested areas are far less prone to flooding and soil erosion.
Health Benefits: Increased Physical Activity. Mark Cullen’s website states that “comfortable outdoor environments are more conducive to encouraging exercise – research indicates that people were more likely to walk or cycle to work if the streets were lined with trees. Residents feel better and live longer as a result”. Sustainability Kingston recently completed their Sydenham Street Revived Pop-Up Park that ran from August 27—Sept 13. The park included trees, flowers, and seating. The purpose of this project, according to their website, “is to test out a fun and engaging pedestrian-friendly design for Sydenham Street and to evaluate its impact before the start of the next phase of the downtown reconstruction project.” What better way to get people moving than to provide a pedestrian friendly space in the heart of a city? Less Stress. Trees are shown to have a calming effect on people; people
suffering from high stress tend to feel calmer in the presence of trees, thus improving overall health and well-being. Trees add so much to our lives. Wouldn’t you like to learn how you can plant and manage trees on your own property? When you know how a tree grows and what it needs, then you will know how, why, and when to care for it. This is neither time-consuming nor complicated. The Tamworth/Erinsville GrassRoots Growers would like to invite you to their next event on November 10, 2015. Bruce Bostock, arborist with Bostock Tree Service in Toronto will be the speaker providing insight into tree selection and care. Admission is free. Also, a reminder to save your seeds for the seed exchange taking place at the same event. Location: St. Patrick’s School, Erinsville, 7:00 p.m. November 10, 2015 Tamworth/Erinsville GrassRoots Growers is a community-based group. Our mission is to encourage interest in local and organic gardening for the home garden and the market garden; to raise awareness of issues surrounding food production; to improve our practical knowledge of all aspects of plant life; and to provide networking opportunities for gardeners. We welcome new members. Visit our website at te.grassrootsgrowers.weebly. com
CLASSIC BRICK, VERY PRIVATE Gardens and walkways, wide verandahs, sauna & hot tub are some of the bonuses of original brick farm house near Newburgh. Services updated, wonderful hobby rm, family rm with woodstove & garage with workshop. Sellers anxious for an offer. See www.homeprivatesanctuary.com $299,900 MLS 15607866
FAMILY HOME Great opportunity for a good size family home at a reasonable price in a village setting. Master bdrm and full bath on main level, 2 good size bedrooms and 2 pc bath upstairs. Kitchen opens to dining room with patio doors to deck. Full basement. Walk to groceries, post office, restaurants & shops. See www.villagefamilyhome.com $199,900 MLS 15608348
October / November 2015 • THE SCOOP
15