How Trees Help Mitigate Climate Change
Greenhouse gas emissions are constantly increasing, contributing to the rising global temperatures and extreme weather changes. We emit carbon dioxide into our atmosphere through the use of fossil fuels, industrial processes, and deforestation.
To reduce carbon dioxide emissions and the other devastating impacts of climate change, trees are the holy grail. While other strategies can be helpful in tackling climate change, the most natural and effective method for sequestering carbon dioxide is by planting trees.
The Edmonton arborists at Trusty Tree Services believe that trees can play a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and are committed to supporting the Edmonton community in mitigating climate change by planting one tree at a time.
Keep on reading to learn more about how trees help mitigate climate change and how you can do your part to reduce pollution levels in your community.
The Science Behind How Trees Mitigate Climate Change
We are told that trees play an important role in reducing the impacts of climate change, but here’s a breakdown of how exactly trees play a vital role in helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions:
Direct Carbon Sequestration
Trees naturally absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through the process of photosynthesis. Then, they will store carbon dioxide they captured through a process known as carbon sequestration, before distributing it to their surrounding soil, plants, and bodies of water. This is also why deforestation is one of the primary causes of climate change, as the cutting down of the trees releases all their stored carbon.
Urban Air Purification
In Edmonton, where the urban population is dense, you not only want trees to reduce emissions, but also to filter out harmful airborne pollutants, including nitrogen oxides, ammonia, and sulphur dioxide. Trees are excellent at removing hundreds of airborne pollutants every single year sustainably and effectively, resulting in improved public health and city air quality.
Cooling Effects and Energy Savings
Trees are nature’s version of our modern roofs and canopies, so naturally, they help cool down areas, producing shade, as well as evapotranspiration, which reduces the urban heat island effect. This also cuts back on the need for AC (another contributing factor to climate change).
The Efforts Provided by Trusty Tree Services to Mitigate Climate Change
Arborism and the fight against climate change are closely intertwined. That’s why our team at Trusty Tree Services is deeply committed to the care of trees in the Edmonton community. We specialize in tree planting services to help homeowners and even commercial property owners. This includes tree selection and location planning, ensuring that the choice between various tree species doesn’t become overwhelming.
We also take pride in the existing trees in our urban area. Since trees absorb more carbon the larger and more mature they get, it’s important that they don’t become neglected. With so many older trees in Edmonton communities, we do our part to keep them thriving and growing for years to come. Our team offers a range of services, including pruning, pest control, soil care, and tree restoration.
Additionally, if a tree is not structurally sound or is diseased, we can prevent property damage and the spread of disease to other trees and plants with our tree removal and stump grinding services.
Why Every Tree Matters for Reducing Greenhouse Gases
Want to do your part to reduce the devastating effects of global climate change and deforestation? Plant new trees! When trees are planted in your yard, you help address and reduce annual carbon emissions in your community. One tree can absorb approximately 22 kilograms (48 pounds) of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere per year. We also suggest that you think twice before deforesting your yard for a land-use change. Keep your existing trees and see the difference it can make.
FAQs About How Trees Help Mitigate Climate Change in Edmonton
Can planting trees actually make an environmental difference in Edmonton?
Absolutely. While the average person contributes to the emission of four tons of carbon dioxide each year, a single tree absorbs roughly 22 kilograms (48 pounds) of carbon dioxide per year.
What is the best time to plant trees in Edmonton?
When you’re planting a new tree in Edmonton, winter is obviously not the time of year to do it. Spring and early fall are generally the best times to plant trees in Edmonton, as the ground won’t be frozen, nor will the temperatures be too hot. Our pros at Trusty Tree Services can help you select the right species and planting time to ensure optimal growth and survival.
Can unhealthy or damaged trees still help the environment?
No, trees do more harm than good if they are diseased or damaged. Trees that are severely diseased or damaged may pose safety risks, cause property damage, and spread disease to other plants and animals. Additionally, trees at a certain age, without proper care, lose their environmental benefits over time. Professional assessment and care can often restore many trees; however, removal may be necessary to protect surrounding plants and property.
How do trees help reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
The process by which trees absorb and store carbon dioxide is through photosynthesis. They act as a natural carbon sink in urban areas, such as Edmonton. This carbon sequestration process is a crucial component of the city’s strategy to achieve net-zero emissions within the next two decades.
Do Your Part to Mitigate Climate Change by Planting a Tree! Call Trusty Tree Services Today
Planting trees is one of the simplest, yet most effective ways to combat climate change. When you choose our team at Trusty Tree Services to help plant trees or perform tree restoration, you can become a powerful ally in the fight against the harmful effects of climate change. With local expertise from services like Trusty Tree Services, every tree planted becomes a powerful ally in the fight against climate change.
Call us today to schedule service with our Edmonton arborists.