How Do Trees Conserve Energy?

How Do Trees Conserve Energy?

Trees, especially in forests, are known for their ability to sequester carbon, acting as carbon sinks for the surrounding environment. While this is a common feature of forests, it is often expected that single trees would not be able to make an impact as significant as that of a forest. And while this assumption would be correct in the fact that one tree cannot do what an entire forest can, it is untrue when it comes to the impact per tree.

While a single tree in an urban area sequesters 4.5-11 kg of carbon, the same amount as a tree in a forest, it is responsible for avoiding the combustion of 18 kg of carbon annually. This discrepancy is due to the reduction in energy use that urban trees create by providing shade for buildings in the area, reducing their need for cooling. This makes the impact of one tree in an urban area equivalent to the impact of 3-5 trees in a forest.

When planting trees in your yard, there are many factors to consider. Do I want my tree to have fruit? Should it be deciduous or evergreen? Where should I plant my tree? This question is especially important as it could save a percentage of money allotted to paying for energy.

Depending on the shade provided by the tree and other factors affecting the area, each tree can provide up to $200 in energy savings over its lifetime. Maryland is a temperate region, which means that the tree must be placed to allow for the maximization of the sun to warm the house in the winter, provide shade in the summer, deflect winter winds away from the house, and bring summer breezes towards the home. Accounting for these conditions can reduce 25% of the energy used in your home.

In addition to saving money on utility bills, increasing the tree canopy in your neighborhoods can have significant reductions in carbon emissions at power plants, as less energy will be needed to keep homes cool. A study conducted in Sacramento, California, created a model where four trees would be planted in each yard. The model found that there would be a reduction of 60 kilotons of carbon emissions as a result of decreased energy consumption.

GHEP’s Family Tree Adoption Program (FTAP) allows Prince George’s County residents to select up to three free trees for their home. By participating in the FTAP, you can save money on energy bills and play a part in reducing Prince George’s County emissions! And that is a double take. The trees not only beautify; they also add to your pocket.

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You Just Planted a Tree: How to Ensure it Thrives!

You Just Planted a Tree: How to Ensure it Thrives!

Trees are often seen as very self-sufficient and low-maintenance. This is, for the most part, true; however, newly planted trees often require some care to ensure that they get properly adjusted to their new environment and grow healthily. Studies have shown that the years of a tree’s establishment, which describes the first five years of the tree’s life, are accompanied by the highest mortality rates. Following these steps will reduce the chances of mortality, ensuring that you have a healthy, happy tree!

Water your tree!

While adult trees do not need to be consistently watered, young trees need to be given a consistent supply of water. Young trees should be watered every day for 2 weeks after planting. To water your tree, use a garden hose or a pitcher to water the soil around the tree, careful to avoid wetting the trunk, as this could promote fungus growth. While daily watering is recommended, if the ground around your tree is already moist, do not water it. Following the initial daily watering for 2 weeks, water your tree 2-3 times a week, and eventually once a week.

Protect your tree from wildlife.

If you notice damage on your tree similar to the image on the left, it is likely that rabbits or squirrels are likely using your tree bark as a snack. This is extremely harmful to the young tree, as it can stop sap from properly circulating the tree and expose the trunk to fungus, sometimes resulting in the death of the tree. To prevent this, consider purchasing a mesh tree guard to keep small animals away until your tree has grown thick enough bark to defend itself.

 

Should I prune my new tree?

You do not want to prune your new tree immediately. If the tree has damaged branches or intersecting branches, feel free to prune those. However, refrain from any cosmetic pruning as you do not want to slow tree growth or root development during its formative years. The establishment years of your tree should consist of nurturing your tree and providing the water and resources it needs to grow. Once your tree begins to grow and mature, cosmetic pruning will be more appropriate.

Look out for the spotted lanternfly! The spotted lanternfly, as shown to the left, is an invasive species that has been prevalent on the east coast for the past couple of years. While the spotted lanternflies are not known for killing trees, they can cause some damage. While feeding on a tree’s sap, spotted lanternflies discharge a sugary substance onto the tree that can cause mold to grow. This is not a significant concern if there are a few lanternflies and does not warrant pesticide use, but keep an eye out for lanternflies around your tree.

As you care for your new tree, we hope you see beautiful growth and integration into your yard! If you have any questions or concerns regarding the health of your tree, please reach out to us at [email protected]

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Tree Planting Demonstration Day

Tree Planting Demonstration Day

Join us for a tree planting demonstration and tree care education event in collaboration with partners from Ecoasis Garden Center, CBTrust, and the Prince George’s County Department of the Environment. Flags will be distributed to FTAP families, and we’ll enjoy a fun tree demonstration with refreshments and group photos hosted by an FTAP volunteer family.

The Family Tree Adoption Program (FTAP) is a grassroots community-based initiative that provides free native trees and shrubs to private homeowners in Prince George’s County, Maryland. FTAP is dedicated to greening our communities by increasing the tree canopy, leading to improved air and water quality, enhanced community aesthetics, and lasting benefits. Join us in building thriving, sustainable communities that prioritize environmental and human health.

 

 

 

Tree Planting Demonstration Day

Tree Planting Demonstration Day

Join us for a tree planting demonstration and tree care education event in collaboration with partners from the Neighborhood Design Center, Ecoasis Garden Center, CBTrust, and the Prince George’s County Department of the Environment. Flags will be distributed to FTAP families, and we’ll enjoy a fun tree demonstration with refreshments and group photos hosted by an FTAP volunteer family.

The Family Tree Adoption Program (FTAP) is a grassroots community-based initiative that provides free native trees and shrubs to private homeowners in Prince George’s County, Maryland. FTAP is dedicated to greening our communities by increasing the tree canopy, leading to improved air and water quality, enhanced community aesthetics, and lasting benefits. Join us in building thriving, sustainable communities that prioritize environmental and human health.

 

 

 

Tree Planting Demonstration Day

Tree Planting Demonstration Day

Join us as GHEP hosts a tree planting demonstration/tree care education in collaboration with partners from the Neighborhood Design Center, Ecoasis Garden Center, CBTrust, and the Prince George’s County Department of the Environment.

At the event, Flags will be distributed to FTAP families. We will all participate in a fun, tree demonstration with refreshments and group photos hosted by an FTAP volunteer family.

The Family Tree Adoption Program (FTAP) is a grassroots community-based program that provides free native trees or shrubs to private homeowners in Prince George’s (PG) County, Maryland. FTAP is helping to green our communities by increasing tree canopy, which, in turn, will improve air and water quality, and community aesthetics, and provide benefits for years to come. FTAP is building thriving communities by organizing multicultural communities around shared values of a sustainable environment and human and community health improvement.