Homes with well-trimmed trees are alluring. Anyone passing by the house can see how much attention the garden receives and its positive effect on the surroundings. In a fast-developing society where more trees are cut down for expansion, it’s easy to forget all the benefits trees hold for the environment.
Although forests still cover roughly 30% of the land area, according to National Geographic, this number is dwindling fast. With that said, everyone could do their part in saving the environment by keeping trees in their own gardens.
Trimming trees is, therefore, more than a chore; it may be an unspoken duty for homeowners. Below are some of the ways that tree trimming benefits the environment, that not many are aware of when they tend to their gardens:
8 Ways Tree Trimming Benefits the Environment
1. Allows More Sunlight into the Garden
Some trees may grow tall, especially in older gardens, so homeowners may need special arborist gear to help them properly trim these. However, they won’t have to buy a complete kit if they entrust the job to professional tree trimmers, but they could also save costs by doing it themselves and renting some of the equipment.
Allowing the correct amount of sunlight to penetrate the tree’s canopy will also help prevent the overgrowth of pests and ensure that the flowers and other plants in the garden have enough for their needs. The delicate balance trimming brings to the grounds will be palpable for any homeowner spending time outside in their pristine yard.
2. Trees and Plants Grow Strong and Healthy
There could be various reasons for trees’ health issues, including pests, illnesses, and rotting. For these reasons, homeowners should take care of the trees in their gardens by trimming away the affected areas.
Working with equipment like a chainsaw could be hazardous, with trees challenging to navigate even with the proper gear. It’d thus be good practice for homeowners to wear protective gear like chaps so that tree trimming is safer.
Furthermore, trimming away the diseased parts of the tree in this way will prevent the damage from spreading elsewhere on the same tree or to neighboring plants. Before handling a chainsaw, homeowners should know the manufacturer’s specifications and heed the warnings for safely working with the equipment.
Safety while using any type of chainsaw should be a priority, as the experts at The Home Depot explain in the following video:
3. Prevents Soil Erosion from Occurring
Healthy trees will have healthier roots, which help the soil remain in place by spreading out underground and thus preventing erosion. The ground that plants and trees will grow on plays an essential part in how strong they’ll be and, therefore, could benefit the environment more when the soil around is sufficient to keep them growing.
According to a study by ResearchGate, soil erosion is currently a problem worldwide and depends heavily on the condition of plants, trees, or crops. Considering this research, homeowners could then contribute to the environment by maintaining the integrity of the soil by trimming the trees in their gardens regularly.
4. Promotes Airflow and Purity
Oxygen is a life-giving element to all living organisms, and trees are the most significant source of this vital part of existence. Not only do trees filter harmful carbon dioxide out of the breathable air, but it also replaces it with a critical component.
It could mean that trees thus filter out some of the impurities and promotes healthy airflow around the garden. However, should the trees not be in good condition, they may lose their ability to help the environment through filtering, or they could block proper airflow around other plants in the garden when they grow too dense.
5. Saves on Heating and Cooling Costs
One of the best features a beautifully trimmed garden will have is that it could help homeowners reduce heating and cooling costs for their home. In summer, for example, when the heat could cause a significant rise in the home’s temperature, trees could block some of the harsh sunrays to have a cooling effect.
On the other hand, in winter, trees could act as windbreakers and allow more sunlight into the home when homeowners trim the branches and leaves accordingly. By not relying so heavily on air conditioners or central heating, the house becomes more eco-friendly and thus contributes to the environment in more ways than one.
Reducing the global carbon footprint is a significant focus for many environmental organizations globally. As a result, trimming a home garden and keeping it in optimal condition will make a difference, however slight.
6. Boosts the Tree’s Fruit Production
Family Handyman explains that there are six types of soil gardeners could find in their garden to consider before planting new fruit trees. According to the soil type, fruit trees will produce yield, but these also rely on proper tree trimming each season.
The flowers from these trees attract pollinators like butterflies and bees to the garden, giving the latter a sustainable food source. At the same time, humans and other animals, like birds, will feast on the fruit themselves. Trimming the trees allows the sprouting of more fruit-bearing branches and buds, which could boost their fruit production significantly.
7. Provides Better Shelter for Animals and Insects
As much as humans and other plants benefit from healthy trees in the garden, so will the wildlife. Depending on the home’s location, some will have reasonably large backyards that may border a forest or other open piece of land.
Animals would want to shelter themselves from the elements or gain sustenance from trees, and others would use it to rest for a while before moving on to their next destination. Additionally, homeowners may find much joy in sharing their garden with these creatures knowing they assisted the animals and the environment.
No matter how small, every animal has some way of adding to its immediate environment. By making it easier for animals to find food and suitable habitat, homeowners also think more eco-friendly about their gardens.
8. Reduces Surrounding Environmental Pollutants
In addition to recycling carbon dioxide into oxygen, trees can also assist in preventing other types of pollution. One of these is noise pollution, which urban areas may have plenty of daily. Instead of hearing the hum of cars on the street, or masses of people mulling about, homeowners will have a more peaceful setting for their homes when they have beautifully trimmed trees in their gardens.
Furthermore, trees will help maintain the area’s hydrology by catching rainwater and channeling it into the soil rather than down the drains. Another benefit strong, healthy trees will have, is to shelter the other plants or even the home during severe weather. In addition, pollutants like waste paper and containers get caught in the branches, roots, and trunks of the trees to keep them out of the local rivers and other water sources like dams.
Homeowners who plant, trim, and look after their trees could improve their trees’ functionality and help reduce these environmental pollutants effectively for their neighborhood. Although cutting trees could hardly feel like it could have this effect, the environment will be forever grateful.
Final Thoughts on Tree Trimming Benefits for the Environment
There’s no doubt that trees have a valuable contribution to the environment. Still, the key takeaway from all the information here is that homeowners must also do their due diligence to take care of their gardens and ensure they make the most of the tree trimming benefits we looked at above.
In the end, it’s a wonderfully symbiotic relationship where humans and nature exchange favor equally to each other, and who knew that trimming trees could lie at the heart of this? As long as homeowners are safely using their tree-trimming equipment, they should be around to reap all of the environmental benefits their gardens hold.
About the Author
Barry J. Thomas is a 51-year-old arborist who currently runs and owns a tree-trimming service. He studied the numerous ways of taking care of a garden accordingly before passing this knowledge on to his teams. In his spare time, he loves to tend to his garden with his grandchildren and research all the latest information about new technology in the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to trim the large trees in my garden?
According to experts, early spring could be the best time to trim trees unless the tree threatens infrastructure or the family's health. In this case, homeowners should trim when needed. Read the full guide to learn more about the best time to trim your trees.
Should I always call for professional assistance to trim trees?
In short, no, it won't be necessary. Although, the professional's expertise could save a lot of time and money as they’ll have a vast knowledge of the various plants and trees in the garden and have the correct equipment to deal with any challenges. You can learn more about how to trim trees safely in the full guide.
Pruning trees - do I need to cover the trimmed area or wound?
It won't be necessary as the tree has natural mechanisms to heal that area. Furthermore, open tree wounds receive more oxygen which could speed up the healing process. You can learn more about healthy tree trimming in the full guide.
What kind of equipment do I use to trim the trees?
Each tree or garden will have different needs, so it’d be best to consult experts to find the right tool for the job. Their expertise will help guide the homeowner to the right purchase or rental for the latter’s needs. In general, smaller trees will be fine with a saw or trimmer tool, and larger branches will require a chainsaw. You may also need ropes, ladders, pulleys and safety equipment, depending on the size and complexity of the project.
References
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations: State of Forests
World Wildlife Federation: Forest Initiatives
University of Arkansas: Common Forest Disease Problems
OSHA Fact Sheet: Working with Chainsaws
Cutter Life: Chainsaw Safety Tips
