We humans and all the creatures who live in this region depend on trees for many, many things. Mature trees are capable of natural, solar powered, carbon sequestration. During one year, a mature tree will absorb more than 48 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen in exchange. That same tree also supplies enough oxygen for 4 people every day.
Mature trees can lift up to 100 gallons of water out of the ground and discharge it into the air every day. The planting of trees means improved water quality, less runoff and less erosion.
Studies have also shown that spending time around trees and looking at trees reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and improves mood.
Trees provide homes to numerous birds and insects. This is where planting a diversity of trees is important. Many trees support specific insects and birds. More diversity equals more resilience to climate change.
Trees produce oxygen, intercept airborne particulates, and reduce smog, enhancing a community’s respiratory health. The urban canopy directly contributes to meeting a city’s regulatory clean air requirements.
Upstate New York is home to an incredibly diverse array of trees. Here in Niskayuna we live along the edges of two large forested ecosystems. The Northeast Hardwood Forest and the Oak-Hickory Forest. These forests form the basis of our soils, plant and animal life. Deciduous trees like Beeches, Maples, Oaks, Hickories, and Birches dominant our landscapes. Many evergreens have homes here too: White Pine, Balsam Fir, Spruce. There are beautiful smaller trees too, like Redbud (Cercis canadensis), and Dogwood (Cornus florida), and Washington Hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum). There are many other trees that are beautiful, native and easily grown here! Consider Pawpaw (Asimina triloba), Serviceberry Amelanchier arborea) Linden (Tilia Americana), and Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), to name a few.
Trees produce oxygen, intercept airborne particulates, and reduce smog, enhancing a community’s respiratory health. The urban canopy directly contributes to meeting a city’s regulatory clean air requirements.
These are just a few of the reasons why trees are important and why the Niskayuna Tree Council encourages the planting, care for, and protection of our town’s trees.
