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More Trees Please!
Here's an interesting statistic, the average urban street tree provides around $424 of benefits to its community each year! Thats more than $25,000* in its lifetime! The benefits are in the form energy savings from tree canopy shade, raising property values, reducing storm water and improving air quality just to name a few. Trees also help us by cooling our environment, protecting us and our property from wind, rain and sun, and make our lives happier. This year, the Australian nursery and garden industry is celebrating these benefits with ‘Improve your Plant Life Balance’ Day on March 2 and throughout 2012. “Across the world, there is growing recognition supported by a growing body of research that indicates an urban forest – all the trees and shrubs in a city and suburbs on private and public land – is really important for our community’s health and wellbeing. There is a drive towards greener cities,” said the CEO of Nursery & Garden Industry Australia, Mr Robert Prince. “We want people to think twice about trees. Their benefits far outweigh any falling leaves! We also want to encourage homeowners, developers and councils to plant the right kinds of trees for their area to get the best growth, minimise any possible disruptions to any services and to maximise their benefits.”
Benefits of trees The benefits of trees have been well researched. Trees… Improve the air we breathe Trees improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. They also help to absorb odours and potentially harmful chemicals in the air. The impact of exhaust emissions is greatly reduced by trees. Cool our environment Trees absorb heat and sunlight and provide shade. A well-treed neighbourhood can negate the heat island effect of hard surfaces which increases temperatures by 3-7 degrees. It will also reduce energy bills for households from 15-35%. Create enjoyable spaces for health and recreation. Trees and green spaces lead to more exercise and healthier people. Residents in neighbourhoods with excellent parks are shown to be healthier and need less medical treatment and healthcare.
Shade us from skin damage
Trees will shade us from the harmful effects of the sun, plus provide protection from light and moderate showers of rain. Reduce stress There is a calming influence in natural environments as well as an aesthetic value in trees. Participation in gardening and landscaping helps reduce stress.
Create safer walking environments
Street trees do create a natural barrier between cars and pedestrians, while parks and green spaces inspire people to unite to protect their natural assets, reducing community crime. Make urban streets safer
Research has shown that in tree-lined streets traffic speeds are reduced and there is improved driver satisfaction. Provide a connection to nature and the human senses Urban trees not only provide all the benefits above but they are an integral part of the ecosystem, attracting birds and people to enjoy what they have to offer. To find out more about improving your plant life balance, visit the new look www.plantlifebalance.com.au or Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/plantlifebalance
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