Domestic Services
The Benefits of Trees
Ayrshire Tree Surgeons cut down many trees each year and we also plant many trees. The most rewarding part of our work is helping people live with their trees by managing them well. A well-managed and safe tree has real benefit to the homeowner and there are some other good reasons to keep trees. Consider replacing a tree that is removed with another which is more in keeping with your garden.
Trees are the largest and oldest living element of our natural environment. They not only provide timber and other products which are used in our everyday lives, but give a number of less quantifiable beneficial effects which we do not think about often.
Direct benefits for the Homeowner
Property Value
Trees increase the value of your property by as much as 20%.
Provide shelter
Trees can reduce wind speeds around building. Preventing damage, whilst reducing heating costs. An average energy saving of approximately 10% per annum.
Privacy
Trees positioned in the right location or a new hedge can provide real privacy to your garden. Ask us – our advice is free and we give a genuine 10% discount on tree planting following tree removal we have conducted.
Noise reduction
Closely planted belts of trees and shrubs absorb and reflect noise whilst trees generally provide a barrier through which noise is perceived to be less.
Therapy
A well-treed garden can give an emotional feeling of well-being. It’s scientifically proven that trees have an actual beneficial effect on the recovery of post operative patients who require fewer pain killers and have a reduced recovery time. – Even if we are not ill, trees help us relax.
Shade
The dappled shade that trees provide are a useful barrier from damaging ultraviolet radiation, as well as reducing heat induced stress to both people and animals. Not normally a problem on the west coast of Scotland but we thought we’d mention it.
Benefits in the Town
Cool the air
Evaporation, shade and heat reflection can greatly reduce the summer temperature in towns.
Exercise
Tree lined avenues; parks and woodland all provide a sheltered, stimulating and attractive location in which to exercise. They encourage people to walk and cycle on local journeys reducing road traffic along with generally improving the health of the participants.
Filter air pollution
Tree canopies can act as a filter removing particulate pollution that is deposited on their leaves and trunk. They can also absorb carbon based and other gases that are a cause of global warming. In doing this they also release life giving oxygen as part of their living processes.
Help reclaim land
Land which contains heavy metals and other contaminates can be planted with trees which absorb pollutants and reduce their levels in the future as the timber is harvested. Operations such as these are a cost effective way of returning derelict land into a usable state.
Landscape value
Trees have a softening effect on the hard urban environment. Often they are older than the built structures and provide an historical link with past land use. They reinforce local distinctiveness, as natural trees and woodland tend to reflect the local climate, soils and landforms. Trees can form a beautiful backdrop to urban settings whilst providing shelter and enclosure improving people’s enjoyment of the landscape.
Community Involvement
The planting and care of trees can draw a community together and give it a common goal. This often results in other aspects of an environment being improved whilst building community spirit.
Recreation
Generally people living in towns enjoy walks and visits into the countryside even if created in towns in the form of parks and woodlands.
Education
Trees, woodland and environmental areas can provide an outdoor classroom in which to study subjects such as math’s, science, geography, art and design, along with learning through informal play and exploration.
Economic improvement
Trees and woodland can provide direct employment to local people, attract inward investment and increase property values. They can bring derelict sites back to an attractive state that encourages further development and reduce the cost of open space management.
Benefits in the Countryside
Stabilise soil
Reduce the risk of flash flooding
By holding water in the canopy and slowing the rate of impact of the droplets and improving the porosity of soil, ground water is conserved and rapid runoff is prevented.
Wildlife
Trees of all ages have a wildlife importance. They provide habitat, shelter and diversity of an area and support a wide variety of mammals, birds and insects.