Corporate sustainability plans are inspiring. They often include initiatives like harnessing the power of the sun, harvesting rainwater, and installing a green roof. These initiatives are exciting but often overshadow an affordable, sustainable improvement that can be made on most properties.
Caring for your trees is one of the most economical and environmentally friendly decisions you can make.
Trees are Natural Coolants
Trees provide shade and reduce air temperature. They are most impactful in commercial developments where air temperatures are significantly higher due to expansive parking lots and building roofs. In residential areas trees have been shown to reduce attic temperatures by up to 40 degrees.
Trees are Air and Environmental Cleaners
Trees sequester carbon dioxide and improve air quality by capturing dust, smoke particles, and other pollutants. They also produce oxygen. A tree’s root system absorbs stormwater run off and improves water quality by reducing soil erosion and absorbing soil borne contaminants.
Trees are Noise Minimizers and People Pleasers
Trees dramatically reduce sound pollution, reducing noise levels by 20 to 30 percent over hard surfaces like concrete and pavement which are ubiquitous in commercial developments. People love trees which have been shown to reduce stress and lower blood pressure, improve attention and memory, and reduce crime rates.
If your corporate sustainability plan doesn’t already include a tree care plan and an initiative to expand the tree canopy on your property, consult with a Landscape Industry Certified Professional or an ISA Certified Arborist. They’ll be able to help you assess and protect your existing trees and develop a plan for canopy expansion.
