By Pat Dray
The Garden Spot
Pat Dray.
A recent New York Times article, “A.I. vs. the Tree Thieves,” said that tropical deforestation is “a major driver of climate change, accounting for about 8 percent of global emissions.”
Trees, like all plants, “breathe” through the process of photosynthesis. During this process, plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen as a photosynthetic byproduct.
According to Dr. Doug Tallamy, Professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, an acre of forest uses tons of carbon dioxide each year and stores it in the form of carbon, which is the major component of woody tree tissue. When a tree dies and decays, it releases the carbon dioxide into the atmosphere so that there is no long-term net change, but the Earth’s atmosphere is maintained at about 21 percent oxygen.
However, deforestation such as we are hearing about in the Amazon basin eliminates the oxygen product part of the equation and instead releases carbon, contributing to global warming.
Planting a new tree for every tree that is burned or decayed helps to maintain our atmospheric oxygen levels. In fact, forest remediation accounts for about 25 percent of the emissions reductions targeted by the Paris climate agreement of 2015.
I’m sure that you’ve also noticed another reason for tree planting – the shade they provide. The canopy of trees keeps the temperature noticeably cooler as the leaves reflect light as they provide shade. The leaf shape of deciduous trees also reflects sound, keeping your yard quieter as well as cooler.
Fall is the ideal time for tree planting since the roots will have time to grow prior to the cold winters we have in Connecticut without the need for the heavy watering needed in summer to overcome water evaporation from the heat. When selecting a tree, be sure to understand the height and leaf spread of your choice so that you plant it in the right spot – not too close to the house, utility lines and any hardscape such as walkways. If possible, select a tree that is native to our area since it will thrive as well as support biodiversity.
The Town of Orange has a Tree Warden and a Tree Committee. The goal of the committee is “creating a community understanding of, and an appreciation for, trees and how they improve our quality of life.” Starting in 2006, the committee began a “tribute tree” program where you can have a tree planted on public land in honor of or in memory of someone.
Nearly forty trees have been planted since the program began. The site and type of tree is selected by the Tree Warden. The price of a tribute tree is $500 and includes the tree, planting, maintenance and a site plan and plaque stating the person honored. Trees are guaranteed for one year.
If you’re interested in this wonderful way to recognize a loved one, contact Town Hall for the application form.
Pat Dray is a past president of the Orange Garden Club.