Page 25 - Silverlakes December 2021

GARDENING

THE IMPORTANCE OF MATURE TREES

By Elize Malan

ilver Lakes Golf Estate is a well- The power plants running on coal are not
established estate with large, mature going to close down overnight or be replaced
Strees on the pavements. Unfortunately, by “clean” electricity. We, the citizens, have
some of these trees are being removed by to do whatever we can to protect our health.
owners, often without permission from the
Home Owners Association. Not everyone is lucky enough to have a
garden or live on a vast estate. Those who
The benefits of having mature trees can should do everything possible to keep
surrounding our homes cannot be over- existing trees healthy. Try to plant trees
emphasised. Each and every leaf on a large where suitable.
tree can be regarded as a benefit to our
health. Here’s why: Temperature control
Trees lower surface and air temperatures
Combat air pollution through evapotranspiration as well The roots of a large tree often lift paving or
The carbon cycle was in equilibrium, but due as by providing shade. Around a tree, crack a garden wall. Choose the species you’d
to human intervention the normal balance evapotranspiration alone can reduce peak like carefully, be quick to admit a mistaken
is now disturbed. People are burning fossil summer temperatures by 1°C to 5°C. choice, and be sure to make changes before
fuels such as coal and charcoal. Carbon the tree reaches maturity.
dioxide and methane gas in the atmosphere Trees are our best air-conditioners. How so?
are increasing at an alarming rate. Silver Lakes Golf Estate has clay soil, which
Deforestation is also reaching crisis levels. Planting a deciduous tree on the west is not ideal for growing trees in general. The
side of a building is extremely effective for tree roots will need more space – they cannot
Carbon dioxide gas can be removed from the cooling a building in summer, and hence, go down, and instead will go sideways.
atmosphere by trees through the process of will decrease demand for air conditioning.
photosynthesis. The final product is carbon. Trees do not live forever, but the majority
It is stored in the leaves, stems, trunks, The opposite is true in winter. The tree have a lifespan of 50 or more years.
branches and roots of trees. The trees canopy of an evergreen tree creates an Unfortunately, according to research, an
release oxygen back into the atmosphere as umbrella that prevents frost damage to urban street tree’s life expectancy is about
a by-product of photosynthesis. plants on soil level. If planted correctly, 20 years. This is mainly because of improper
trees create excellent wind-breaks for cold planting and care.
In South Africa, coal is used (to a large southern winds.
extent) to produce electricity. The high air We need to continue planting trees,
pollution levels in the Highveld can be linked The micro-climate in gardens with mature but more importantly, we have to look
directly to the burning of coal. This pollution trees differs vastly from those without trees. after our hardworking mature trees.
is a health risk, causing asthma, cancer, lung Blocking unwanted views, reducing traffic
ailments and neurological problems. noise, reducing water run-off and filtering Sources:
rainwater are added benefits of having trees. https://www.epa.gov/heatislands/using-trees-
and-vegetation-reduce-heat-islands
https://www.agrinews-pubs.com/2020/02/11/
Like all good things in life, trees come extending-the-life-of-urban-trees/aag3s8p/
at a cost
General maintenance needs to be done. Tel: 012 804 1807
Pruning the trees often is the greatest Fax: 012 804 0278
expenditure. Web: www.garden-group.co.za
Email: admin@garden-group.co.za
A deciduous tree will shed a large number of
leaves during autumn. Do not plant it close
to your pool. Enjoy the autumn-coloured
leaves, think about the cool summer shade
and resign yourself to having to rake up
leaves during this season.

INTRAMUROS DECEMBER 2021 | 23