Atlanta has long been known as the “city in the forest.” As of 208, just under 48% of the city was covered by dense tree canopy. As urban development continues to boom, this number is shrinking. How should the Atlanta area protect this natural beauty that provides numerous benefits to residents while also embracing the progress of a growing city?
Tree Canopies Explained
You may be wondering, “What is a tree canopy, exactly?” It’s a good question! In forested areas, individual trees grow close together. Their branches and leaves form a shady canopy that provides benefits to the entire ecosystem around them.
The tree canopy in Atlanta is especially noteworthy, since it’s known to have one of the highest percentage tree canopies in a Unites States metropolitan area. Research conducted by Trees Atlanta, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Atlanta’s tree canopy, shows that while only 20% of commercial land is tree covered, over 61% of single-family residential land enjoys the benefits of a tree canopy.
This means if you’re a homeowner in Atlanta, you’re likely to have at least a few trees on your property! Trees are beautiful, but they also provide many perks to the people who live near them. Understanding your foliage can help you reap the benefits your backyard trees provide.
What Atlanta Homeowners Should Know About Their Trees
- They provide value.
From increasing your property value to lowering your energy costs, trees can provide numerous financial benefits for Georgia homeowners.
Healthy, mature trees can boost property value by as much as 15%. Their inviting atmosphere and curb appeal makes tree-surrounded homes more appealing to buyers than their open yard counterparts. And if you’re not looking to sell your home, you can enjoy the financial perks of trees in your yard year after year.
Did you know that trees partner with modern HVAC technology to keep your home cool? The USDA Forest Service states that a tree planted in the right spot in your yard can reduce the burden on your HVAC unit by 30 percent, which leads to lower energy bills on a regular basis. That’s a perk anyone would love!
- They help you beat the summer heat.
In major cities, the cumulative effect of hard surfaces like roads and rooftops cause “heat islands” – areas with temperatures more than 20 degrees higher than their nearby rural counterparts. Tree canopies offset these heat islands, providing relief through both shade and transpiration.
What is transpiration, you ask? It’s the process by which trees release unneeded water vapor through their leaves. Even though we can’t see these water vapors, they cool the air around us by multiple degrees, offsetting the heat waves brought on by hot surfaces.
As trees cool the air, they also boost its quality. Higher temperatures produce smog and ozone, so the cooling effect of trees quietly improves the environment at all times. They also absorb unwanted gases like carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO).
- They offer privacy and quiet.
Even if you love your neighbors, trees provide a welcome cushion of peace and quiet around your home. According to The Arbor Day Foundation, a row of trees can cut ambient noise in half. That same row of trees can function as a privacy fence, shielding you from passersby while you enjoy the outdoors.
- They can improve your health.
Everyone benefits from being around trees. Simply gazing at a treeline has been proven to reduce stress levels, help hospital patients recover faster, and help students perform well in school. There is much scientific research that points to the benefits of surrounding yourself with trees. But how do you know if the trees in your own backyard are healthy enough to provide these benefits?
How to Assess the Health of Trees in Your Yard
Whether you’ve invested in planting new trees or you just want to care for the ones already growing on your property, it’s important to check on your piece of the tree canopy every once in a while. A certified arborist can advise you on a wide variety of tree-related issues, including:
- When to trim a tree and when to remove it
- Pruning trees seasonally for health and growth
- Identifying common pests and diseases
- Which trees to plant on your property
- When invasive species are a problem
- How to comply with removal ordinances in your area
Tree Professionals You Can Trust
To keep the trees in your yard healthy, you need a tree care partner you can truly trust. At Northside Tree Professionals, you’ll find a team of trained and certified arborists in Georgia who are committed to preserving the amazing trees that make up Atlanta’s tree canopy while keeping your yard’s trees pest-free and safe!
Our comprehensive tree services include trimming and pruning to keep your roofline safe from branch damage and tree removal for diseased, dead, or unwanted trees. Not sure what tree services you need? Give us a call for your onsite tree analysis. We’ll take a look at your property and give you our best recommendations for trimming, removal, treatment, fertilization, and more.
The trees in your own backyard are part of what makes Atlanta beautiful. Partner with Northside Tree Professionals to keep them healthy and happy for years to come. Give us a call or schedule your no-pressure quote online today!