Page 27 - Intra Muros November Issue 2024

GARDENING

THE BENEFITS OF MATURE TREES

By Elize Malan

he importance of having mature entering the root zone and preventing • It is more cost-effective to maintain
trees surround our homes cannot run-off. A mature tree is capable of mature trees instead of replacing them
Tbe over-emphasised. The “sidewalk capturing 9% of the annual rainfall in with small trees. The new small tree will
appeal” factor impresses visitors and this way. not be beneficial to the environment for
potential buyers, especially on well- about 10 years.
maintained landscapes such as ours at Why is this important? It reduces
Silver Lakes. erosion and protects the quality of the When young trees are planted, a long-
water by minimising the movement of term approach is seldom taken. The
In addition, estate properties usually have sediments and pollutants. trees should be maintained and cared
small gardens, and the towering trees for on their long journey to maturity.
planted on sidewalks and communal areas We seldom think of large trees as being
give a sense of community and tranquillity. part of stormwater management. Planting without proper soil preparation
Impervious surfaces dominate and replacing the tree when it fails to
Street trees should not overgrow the urban areas and as a result, existing grow is often the solution. High numbers
owner’s own garden or remove winter sun stormwater systems battle to handle of small replacement trees are seen as
from the house. Finding a balance between peak flows and flooding. Trees can be adequate compensation to facilitate
tree size and having a proper tree canopy planted in areas that are engineered to development.
can be quite challenging, but it’s not retain stormwater. Berms and swales
impossible. – harvesting techniques designed to • Mature trees can have a lifespan of
intercept rainwater – are ideal and 50 years or more if properly cared for.
The benefits of having mature should be used to promote urban
trees on estates and in suburbs are forests. When you plant a tree, three generations
numerous of your family should be able to enjoy its
• They help to control air pollution and to • According to a study done in America, shade. As the following Greek proverb
lower surface and air temperatures. three rows of mature trees outside a goes: “A society grows great when old
school increased the functioning of the men plant trees in whose shade they
• By reducing the flow of heat-trapping children’s immune system. In addition, shall never sit.”
greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, views of green landscapes from
our urban forests play an important classroom windows have been shown
role in mitigating global climate change. to help high school students recover Tel: 012 804 1807
Mature trees reduce atmospheric carbon quickly from stressful events. Fax: 012 804 0278
dioxide directly by storing carbon in the Web: www.garden-group.co.za
trunk, branches, roots and leaves until • Large trees provide food, shelter and Email: admin@garden-group.co.za
these tree parts die and decay. roosting sites for birds and other small
wildlife, increasing the community’s
• The tree canopy intercepts rain, and a biodiversity.
portion of the water evaporates back into
the atmosphere before even reaching • Trees add to a home’s value. Where the
the ground. Rain that does reach the entire street is tree-lined, homes may be
soil surface will have reduced impact by worth 25% more.

INTRAMUROS NOVEMBER 2024 | 25