6 Statement Trees To Better The Environment & Your Landscape
What better way to celebrate Arbor Day and our beautiful planet than by planting a tree? Trees offer numerous benefits both to our planet and to our landscape’s aesthetic appeal.
In this blog, we will highlight the benefits of trees and explore a few gorgeous species that make a grand statement in any landscape.
How Do Trees Benefit The Environment and You?
Environmental Benefits
Better Air Quality
I think we can all agree we’d like the ability to breathe easier in our hectic and heavily polluted environments. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants from the air, releasing oxygen in the process. They also filter dust and particulate matter, improving air quality.
Improved Water Quality
While we’re on the topic of breathing easier, what if our water were healthier, too? Trees help filter water by absorbing pollutants and reducing runoff, which can lead to fewer pollutants entering waterways. They also help prevent soil erosion, which can muddy water and reduce its quality.
Climate Regulation
Climate change is primarily driven by human activities that release excess greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat and cause the Earth’s temperature to rise. This rise in temperatures is the culprit in a range of harmful environmental impacts, including rising sea levels, extreme weather, and ecosystem disruption.
Trees help moderate the climate by providing shade, reducing the urban heat island effect, and absorbing carbon dioxide, which is a greenhouse gas.
Wildlife Habitat
Trees provide food, shelter, and nesting sites for a wide variety of wildlife. Additionally, many trees produce flowers that are a strong pillar of support to local pollinators, who are necessary for a healthy and balanced ecosystem.
Soil Conservation
The roots of trees help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, which is important for maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Human Benefits
Improved Heath
Spending time in nature, including around trees, has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mental well-being.
Increase Property Value and Curb Appeal
Trees significantly enhance curb appeal by adding visual appeal, increasing property value, and creating a welcoming atmosphere. They provide shade, color, and a sense of tranquility, transforming a yard into a more desirable and attractive space.
Energy Savings and Economic Contribution
Trees can provide shade, reducing the need for air conditioning and saving energy. Additionally, he forestry industry provides jobs and supports local economies.
Six Best Statement Landscape Trees
1. Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
The Red Maple is a standout addition to any landscape. Hardy to USDA zones 3-9, Red Maples typically reach a mature height and width of around 50 feet. They are an excellent option for use in the backyard as a shade, providing significant cover during the hot summer months. These specimens are fast-growing and adaptable. Their most praised quality is the vibrant color the trees provide in the fall season. We offer several varieties of Acer rubrum, including October Glory, Brandywine, and Autumn Flame.
2. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
The bold and beautiful Eastern Redbud is next on the list of gorgeous statement trees to enhance your property. When you plant this redbud, you can enjoy three seasons of beauty. The tree sports magnificent pink-purple spring blooms on bare branches, sweet heart-shaped foliage into the summer, and a gorgeous color transition in the fall! The Eastern Redbud is ideal for small yards and understory planting. Did we mention pollinators can’t get enough of it?
3. River Birch (Betula nigra)
If you’re on the hunt for a less conventional but still stunning addition to your landscape, look no further than the River Birch. Sporting unique peeling papery bark, these trees add texture and interest to the landscape year-round. As a bonus, River Birch trees are known to be especially tolerant of wet soils, making them the ideal option for rain gardens and areas of the yard with poor drainage where many other plants would fail to thrive.
4. Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana)
For a subtle and sweet addition to your property, plant the Sweetbay Magnolia! This Eastern US native brings incredible beauty and fragrance to the landscape. The large white blooms exude a lemon scent that pollinators can’t get enough of! The Sweetbay is best suited for zones 5-9 and reaches maturity between 15 and 20 feet tall. As an added bonus, this tree is semi-evergreen in warm environments!
5. Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.)
Do yourself a favor and incorporate a Serviceberry Tree into your next yard project! There is so much to love about this tree, from the white spring blooms to the berries to the intense red to orange fall color. In addition to the beauty you will enjoy, you can feel good knowing you are actively contributing to a flourishing ecosystem supporting local birds and pollinators.
6. Live Oak (Quercus virginiana)
Last on our list of great trees to benefit yourself and the environment around you is the Live Oak. Oak trees provide massive shade and are host to hundreds of insect and bird species. The majestic, sprawling limbs bring unmatched interest and beauty to the landscape. As an added bonus, these trees are incredibly long-lived and drought-tolerant.
Plant Trees Today and Make A Difference
Whether you're looking to create a shady retreat, boost curb appeal, or give back to the planet, planting a tree is a powerful step in the right direction. These six statement trees not only make your landscape pop, but they also contribute to a healthier, more sustainable world. Celebrate Arbor Day by making a lasting impact.