Commentary: Trees Can Be Both a Hazard and a Blessing
by Larry Hamilton, Charlotte Tree Warden,
November 3, 2011, page 2.....

Remember That Trees Can Be Both a Hazard and a Blessing

While Charlotte escaped serious flood damage from Hurricane Irene, saturated soils and high winds resulted in many tipped-out, blown-down and broken-off trees. “Tipped-out” means that the tree has fallen with roots coming out of the ground, common on the shallow soils. Climate change scenarios predict more frequent and even more extreme events such as this in the Northeast. Many homeowners, including lessees at Thompson’s Point, are rightfully concerned about the risk of damage from falling trees or limbs. Should we be getting rid of all trees in some kind of sanitation zone around our homes and structures? Should the town be engaged in putting more trees along our roadsides? What good are trees anyway, especially those close to our infrastructure?
Tree hazard assessment is undoubtedly good policy, and any high-risk trees should be removed or have the risky limbs removed. But before cutting a wide swath in an anti-tree campaign, we should consider the many benefits we enjoy from having trees and forests close to us. Here is a set of brief statements on SOME of these benefits.
• Not all dead trees should be removed. They provide homes for many forms of wildlife, particularly after they have cavities from decay or excavations by woodpeckers (who find insect food therein). The cavities are used by bats, raccoons, flying squirrels and a host of bird species.
• Trees that cast shade on homes lower summer temperatures in dwellings and outbuildings, saving on cooling costs, and, if they have foliage (for example, evergreens), give some protection from chilling winter winds. We have just planted an elm tree on the south side of the library specifically for this value. They shade outdoor enjoyment areas such as patios or al fresco eating areas from hot sun.
• Strategically placed trees, especially conifers, can provide screening for privacy and a barrier to extraneous road or neighbor noise.
• They provide important habitat for wildlife, as shelter, perching lookouts and as direct food from seeds, nuts or berries. Hard “mast,” such as acorns, hickory or beech nuts, are particularly valued by many forms of wildlife, such as turkeys.
• Trees are A-one when it comes to removing carbon (intake of CO2) from our overloading atmosphere and storing it for lengthy periods, since they are long-lived organisms. The longer you can keep trees, the more of the carbon footprint from your lifestyle you counteract. Planting new trees is a plus.
• Trees can help to make wet, soggy areas drier, because through evapo-transpiration they pump soil moisture. Conversely, when you remove trees, the area cut is likely to become wetter.
• Your property and our common roadsides are more aesthetically pleasing with trees than without – scenic vistas excluded.
• There is a therapeutic value to trees and to green plants in general, but especially large organisms such as trees. Repeated studies have shown the faster recovery of hospital patients who can see trees out their windows. Recent studies show that indoor plants are not as calming, and that trees have an outsized impact.
Groups of trees, in forests, have additional benefits, including the production of many direct products from wood, sap or fruit. But here I emphasize the single-tree decisions that homeowners may be considering. I strongly encourage you to weigh not only the possible hazards (which a professional arborist can help assess), but also practical and aesthetic benefits of leaving trees in place.

Larry Hamilton
Charlotte Tree Warden