THE DANGERS OF NOT REMOVING DEAD TREES NEAR PUBLIC PATHS AND TRAILS

Not removing dead trees near public paths and trails can pose significant dangers to both the public and the surrounding environment. Here are some of the key dangers associated with leaving dead trees in these areas:

Safety Hazards: Dead trees are at risk of falling, especially during storms or high winds. These falling trees or branches can cause serious injuries or even fatalities to people using the paths and trails. Public safety is a primary concern, and dead trees near high-traffic areas can present an immediate risk.
Liability Issues: If a dead tree falls and causes harm to a person or property, the entity responsible for managing the public paths and trails may be held liable for damages. Removing dead trees proactively helps mitigate this potential liability.
Trail Accessibility: Fallen or dead trees can obstruct paths and trails, making them impassable and inconvenient for users. This can lead to reduced access and dissatisfaction among trail users.
Environmental Impact: Dead trees can serve as a breeding ground for pests, pathogens, and fungi that may spread to healthy trees nearby. If not removed, the infestation can spread, affecting the overall health of the forest or ecosystem.
Fire Hazards: Dead trees are often dry and can become fuel for wildfires. Leaving dead trees near public paths and trails increases the risk of fire incidents, especially in regions prone to wildfires.
Aesthetic Value: Dead trees can negatively affect the aesthetics and beauty of public paths and trails. Visitors may be discouraged from using the trails if they perceive them as poorly maintained or unsafe.
Ecological Balance: Dead trees provide habitat and food sources for various wildlife species. However, when dead trees are excessively concentrated near public paths and trails, it can disrupt the ecological balance, leading to potential overpopulation of certain species or imbalances in the ecosystem.

To address these dangers, it’s essential to implement regular tree inspections along public paths and trails. Dead or hazardous trees should be identified and promptly removed by qualified tree care professionals to ensure public safety and maintain the integrity of the environment.

Additionally, proper management of dead trees can include:

Salvaging usable wood for beneficial purposes, such as habitat creation or wood recycling.
Planting new trees to replace the ones removed, contributing to the sustainability and aesthetics of the area.
Creating buffer zones or barriers to prevent dead trees from falling onto the trails or other sensitive areas.

By proactively managing dead trees near public paths and trails, communities can create safer and more enjoyable outdoor spaces for the public to enjoy while also preserving the health and balance of the natural environment.

Though people hate in general to lose any type of tree, there are just some instances when completely removing them cannot be avoided. Even just the thought of completely removing trees can bring sadness and tears to many people, whether they are die-hard nature-lovers or not. Of course, there are other ways wherein they can be still helped to grow healthily, such as pruning and trimming and trees also usually benefit from some fumigation. And the last and most drastic option, when there really is no other sound and safe reason to keep the tree around, is to remove it.

Below are the main and most common valid and acceptable reasons why trees have to be cut down or properly removed:

If the tree is dead or its disease/s can no longer be treated or cured.

All people love to look at healthy and lush trees. But the ones that are dead or suffering from some diseases are pretty disheartening to look at. Dead trees are also usually serious safety hazards and can be a source of many accidents so people often decide to just have them removed.

Wrong tree type at a poor location.

Some trees can be a threat when they are rooted in areas of high pedestrian and/or vehicular traffic. One particular tree is the Eucalyptus, which always have the tendency to lose or drop big branches frequently. Of course, cutting them down is not always the immediate option; if they are still very healthy, they can be removed and transplanted to a different area where they cannot cause any problems or danger with the help of local professional arborists or some tree surgeons.

When a tree has become a refuge and breeding ground for big and small pests.

Dead and healthy trees can become the home of unwanted and disease-carrying pests, such as rodents and ants. Bees and wasps, which can be very dangerous insects, also tend to nest or build their hives in trees. And if people are very particular about the safety and security at their properties, especially if they are concerned about their children, then they do have a valid reason for removing them.

Trees, in addition to being wonderful and beautiful natural structures that everyone should nourish and cherish, also provide many benefits to all humans, living creatures, and the environment in general. But it is also important to look at the big picture, too. When trees have to be removed, harboring any doubts or misgivings about this course of action will not serve to help anyone. After all, your safety and good health, and your loved ones’ as well, are also important and should be your top priority.

You don’t know how it happened, but it did – you’ve got a dead tree on your hands. If you want to preserve the lush look of your landscape, then it’s time to consider hiring a tree removal service. Perhaps your majestic oak is posing a major danger for drivers, as it’s starting to lean out onto the road, or your tree is causing some serious damage to your roof – and it needs to go now.

While homeowners should consider tree removal a last-option, you’ll need to give your local tree service a call if:

A tree is causing structural damage to your home;
It’s causing a safety or navigational hazard.
Your tree has kicked the bucket. If the tree hasn’t blossomed or had fresh growth in over a year, it’s highly likely that it’s dead. Break off a small branch to see – is it brittle? Are the insides dry? If so, then it’s time to call a tree removal service.

Worried that this unexpected expense will break your bank account? While you can get a free estimate from most tree removal companies, you can use the following factors to estimate just how much it will cost to remove your troublesome tree:

The location of the tree can have a significant impact on the total cost of removal. For example, how easy is it for the tree removal company to get to the tree? Is it located near your house or near the road? Is it safe to remove, or will the arborist in question need to deal with utility wires and other dangerous obstacles? Additionally, will the tree removal have an impact on your neighbor’s property?
The size and location of the tree will have the biggest impact on the total price of your tree removal.
The health of the tree will also have an impact on the price of your project. Expect dead, dying or diseased trees to potentially cost more to remove (because of the danger and skill needed to address the removal), while healthier trees will be easier on your piggy bank. Periodic evaluation of your trees and plants could save you thousands of dollars in repairs and or replacements. It will in fact add thousand of dollars of value to your home by adding beauty to your landscape.
You should expect when speaking with a professional tree service provider, that they will outline for you the specific cost for specific work to be done. Cost for tree removals, tree trimming, stump grinding, and other specialized services not limited to hauling and fertilization should be clearly outlined in a proposal for work.

While tree removal can be an unexpected cost, knowing what you’ll be charged for can make all the difference between a surprise invoice and an expense you’re prepared for. If you really want an exact figure for your tree removal, ask local companies for a free tree estimate. You will find that the frequent analysis of your trees will pay off, when you save large sums of cash for addressing dead or dying trees.

Tips To Maintaining Garden Trees

Few people may realize that tall ones in the garden need constant, responsible and specialized care. If not properly monitored and regularly pruned, they may quickly grow out of control and not only become unsightly, but also pose a potential danger to family, neighbors and property. For example dead ones, or trees with large dead branches that are allowed to rot, will eventually tear off or fall over (usually in high winds and storms) and can damage overhead power lines, neighbors’ fences or property, and, in the worst scenario, people.

Here are some of the basic maintenance rules for mature garden trees:

Structural Pruning of Young Trees

Structural pruning when they are young is an important elementary step to proper and proactive tree maintenance. May of the problems trees develop in later years could have been easily avoided if properly pruned and shaped when young. Pruning in young ones also encourages healthy branch formation and will require far less maintenance in the long run. For example, when pruning, many future problems can be avoided by cutting away weak branches, or directing growth away from potential future hazards such as buildings.

Maintaining Mature Trees

When pruning or shaping mature plants, there are a number of aspects to consider. For example, the species of tree, its growth habits, its situation, the time of season, and its age. Mature plants are not as responsive to pruning as young ones. When in doubt, it may be best to consult with a professional arborist to ensure that the tree is preserved rather than damaged while ensuring safety and proper health.

Removing Dead Trees

It is always a source of regret when a mature tree needs to be cut down or removed. But very often this becomes a necessity when it poses a threat to property, or parts of it have died, or the tree is dead altogether. Anyone without proper knowledge, equipment or expertise should not attempt to cut down or remove mature trees themselves. This is definitely a job for specialists, as some large ones can be extremely risky to remove (especially in urban areas) due to their proximity to people, power lines and property. Very often cranes have to be used in the case of dangerous tree removals.

If you need a tree service in Utah, you can call:
Truco Services, Inc.
4640 Commerce Drive
Murray, Utah 84107
(801) 466-8044
https://truetreeservices.com/

ENCOURAGING SUSTAINABLE TREE PLANTING FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

Trees play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy environment and enhancing human well-being in a variety of ways:

Air Quality Improvement: Trees act as natural air purifiers by absorbing harmful pollutants, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx), and releasing oxygen during photosynthesis. This process helps improve air quality and reduces the negative impacts of air pollution on human health.
Climate Regulation: Trees sequester carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change by reducing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. They also provide shade, which helps cool urban areas and reduces energy consumption for air conditioning.
Biodiversity Conservation: Trees provide habitats for countless species of animals, birds, insects, and plants. Healthy ecosystems with diverse tree populations support biodiversity, contributing to the overall health of ecosystems and their resilience against disturbances.
Soil Erosion Prevention: Tree roots anchor the soil, preventing erosion caused by wind and water. This is especially important in areas prone to flooding or heavy rainfall, as trees help stabilize soil and prevent nutrient runoff.
Water Management: Trees help regulate water cycles by absorbing water from the soil and releasing it through a process called transpiration. This process helps maintain stable water levels in watersheds, reducing the risk of flooding and drought.
Aesthetic and Psychological Benefits: Green spaces with trees have been shown to have positive psychological effects on human well-being. People often find comfort and relaxation in natural settings, which can reduce stress and improve mental health.
Economic Value: Trees contribute to the economy through industries like forestry, paper production, and tourism. They can also increase property values and attract businesses to areas with lush vegetation.
Fruit and Nut Production: Many trees produce fruits, nuts, and seeds that are important sources of food for both humans and wildlife. These resources contribute to food security and biodiversity.
Medicinal Uses: Various parts of trees have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Some tree species have compounds with potential therapeutic properties.
Wildlife Habitat: Trees provide nesting sites, shelter, and food sources for numerous wildlife species, contributing to healthy ecosystems and the balance of local food chains.
Carbon Sequestration: Trees capture and store carbon dioxide, which helps mitigate the effects of climate change by reducing the amount of this greenhouse gas in the atmosphere.
Education and Recreation: Trees provide opportunities for outdoor activities, education, and environmental awareness. Parks, forests, and green spaces offer places for people to connect with nature and learn about ecosystems.

In essence, trees are an integral part of the environment, and their well-being directly impacts human well-being. Recognizing and promoting the importance of trees is essential for creating a sustainable and balanced coexistence between humans and the natural world.

Deforestation and climate change are two interconnected and pressing global challenges that have far-reaching environmental, social, and economic implications:

Deforestation: Deforestation refers to the large-scale clearing of forests, often for agricultural expansion, logging, mining, and urban development. It has several concerning consequences:

Loss of Biodiversity: Forests are home to countless plant and animal species. Deforestation leads to habitat destruction, endangering many species and even causing some to go extinct.
Climate Impact: Trees play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas responsible for climate change. When trees are cut down, the stored carbon is released into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
Soil Erosion and Degradation: Removing trees destabilizes soil, leading to erosion, reduced fertility, and decreased agricultural productivity.
Disruption of Water Cycles: Forests play a role in regulating water cycles, and deforestation can lead to altered rainfall patterns, reduced water quality, and increased vulnerability to flooding and drought.
Loss of Cultural and Indigenous Knowledge: Many indigenous communities rely on forests for their livelihoods, cultural practices, and traditional knowledge. Deforestation disrupts these ways of life.
Economic and Social Impact: While deforestation may offer short-term economic gains, the long-term consequences can include loss of ecosystem services, reduced tourism potential, and negative impacts on local economies.

Climate Change: Climate change refers to long-term shifts in global weather patterns, largely driven by human activities releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This has wide-ranging effects:

Rising Temperatures: Increased greenhouse gas concentrations lead to global warming, resulting in rising average temperatures, which in turn contribute to heatwaves, melting glaciers, and rising sea levels.
Extreme Weather Events: Climate change intensifies extreme weather events such as hurricanes, droughts, floods, and wildfires, impacting communities, economies, and ecosystems.
Ocean Acidification: The oceans absorb a significant portion of carbon dioxide emissions, leading to increased acidity, which can harm marine life and disrupt ocean ecosystems.
Impact on Agriculture: Changing climate patterns affect agricultural productivity, leading to reduced crop yields and increased food insecurity.
Health Concerns: Climate change can exacerbate health problems, as it can lead to the spread of diseases, worsen air quality, and increase the frequency of heat-related illnesses.
Environmental Displacement: Rising sea levels and extreme weather events can force people to leave their homes, leading to climate-induced migration and displacement.

Addressing these concerns requires a multi-pronged approach that includes global cooperation, policy changes, sustainable land management, renewable energy adoption, and community involvement. Recognizing the relationship between deforestation and climate change is crucial for formulating effective strategies to mitigate their impacts and create a more sustainable future for both people and the planet.

Consequences Of Deforestation

Deforestation has significant and far-reaching consequences that impact the environment, biodiversity, climate, and human societies in various ways. Here are some of the key consequences of deforestation:

Loss of Biodiversity: Forests are incredibly diverse ecosystems that provide habitats for a wide variety of plant and animal species. When forests are cleared, many species lose their homes, leading to habitat destruction and a potential loss of biodiversity. This can result in extinctions, disrupt food chains, and weaken ecosystem resilience.
Climate Change: Deforestation contributes to climate change by releasing stored carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. Trees act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 during photosynthesis. When trees are cut down or burned, this carbon is released back into the air, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming.
Soil Erosion: Tree roots help anchor soil, preventing erosion caused by wind and water. Without trees, the soil becomes more vulnerable to erosion, leading to degradation, reduced fertility, and decreased agricultural productivity. Eroded soil can also clog waterways and harm aquatic ecosystems.
Disruption of Water Cycles: Trees play a crucial role in regulating water cycles. They absorb water from the soil and release it through transpiration, contributing to stable water levels in watersheds. Deforestation can disrupt these cycles, leading to altered rainfall patterns, increased runoff, and decreased groundwater recharge.
Loss of Ecosystem Services: Forests provide a wide range of ecosystem services that benefit humans, including pollination, water purification, soil fertility, and natural pest control. Deforestation can compromise these services, affecting agricultural productivity and human health.
Increased Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The clearing of forests for various purposes, such as agriculture or logging, releases not only carbon dioxide but also other greenhouse gases like methane and nitrous oxide. These gases further contribute to climate change and its associated impacts.
Loss of Indigenous and Local Livelihoods: Many indigenous and local communities rely on forests for their traditional livelihoods, cultural practices, and sustenance. Deforestation can disrupt these communities’ ways of life, leading to economic and social challenges.
Impact on Global Water Resources: Forests play a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s water cycle. Their roots help maintain soil structure, prevent erosion, and contribute to groundwater recharge. Deforestation can disrupt these processes, leading to changes in regional water availability.
Increased Vulnerability to Natural Disasters: Forests act as natural barriers against natural disasters such as landslides, floods, and hurricanes. Their dense root systems stabilize soil and absorb excess water. Without trees, areas become more susceptible to these disasters.
Loss of Medicinal Resources: Many tree species have medicinal properties and are used in traditional and modern medicine. Deforestation can lead to a loss of these resources, impacting healthcare practices in both local and global contexts.
Loss of Aesthetic and Recreational Value: Forests offer recreational opportunities, aesthetic beauty, and places for people to connect with nature. Deforestation diminishes these values and can lead to a decrease in mental and physical well-being.
Cultural Impact: Forests often hold cultural and spiritual significance for indigenous peoples and local communities. Their destruction can lead to a loss of cultural heritage and traditions.

In summary, deforestation has a wide range of negative consequences that impact ecosystems, climate, biodiversity, water resources, and human well-being. Recognizing these consequences is crucial for implementing sustainable land management practices and promoting the conservation and restoration of forests worldwide.

Need For Sustainable Tree Planting To Ensure A Better Future

Sustainable tree planting is a crucial strategy for ensuring a better and more sustainable future for several reasons:

Climate Change Mitigation: Trees are powerful tools for capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis and storing it in their biomass. By planting trees strategically and protecting existing forests, we can help mitigate the effects of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and stabilizing the global climate.
Biodiversity Conservation: Trees provide habitats for countless species of plants, animals, insects, and microorganisms. Planting native tree species in degraded areas helps restore ecosystems and supports biodiversity, which is essential for maintaining healthy and resilient ecosystems.
Ecosystem Restoration: Sustainable tree planting can contribute to restoring degraded lands, such as deforested areas, abandoned agricultural fields, and mined sites. This process helps prevent soil erosion, promotes water retention, and improves overall ecosystem health.
Natural Resource Management: Trees play a vital role in soil health, water management, and nutrient cycling. Planting trees strategically can improve soil fertility, prevent erosion, enhance water quality, and promote sustainable land use practices.
Community Livelihoods: Tree planting initiatives can provide livelihood opportunities for local communities through sustainable forestry, agroforestry, and eco-tourism. Well-designed projects can empower communities economically while promoting environmental stewardship.
Air and Water Quality Improvement: Trees contribute to cleaner air by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen. They also help filter water, removing contaminants and improving water quality in rivers, streams, and groundwater.
Urban Greening: Planting trees in urban areas improves air quality, reduces the urban heat island effect, and enhances the overall aesthetic and livability of cities. Green spaces have been shown to have positive effects on mental and physical well-being.
Education and Awareness: Sustainable tree planting initiatives provide opportunities for education and awareness about environmental issues. They can engage local communities, schools, and organizations in environmental stewardship and foster a sense of responsibility for the planet.
Long-Term Investment: Trees are long-lived organisms, and a well-managed forest or tree planting project can provide benefits for decades or even centuries. They offer valuable resources such as timber, fruits, nuts, and medicinal products, contributing to sustainable economic growth.
Legacy for Future Generations: Planting trees today means creating a legacy for future generations. By taking action now, we can ensure that our children and grandchildren inherit a healthier, more diverse, and resilient planet.

To realize these benefits, it’s essential that tree planting efforts are conducted in a sustainable and informed manner. This includes using native species, considering local ecosystems, involving local communities, and maintaining a long-term commitment to care for the planted trees. By prioritizing sustainable tree planting, we can contribute to a more balanced and harmonious relationship between humans and nature, leading to a better future for all.

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THE BENEFITS OF USING TREES FOR NATURAL STORMWATER MANAGEMENT

Natural stormwater management is an approach that utilizes natural systems to control and mitigate the effects of stormwater runoff. One highly effective and sustainable element of this approach is the use of trees. Trees offer numerous benefits for stormwater management, including reducing runoff, preventing erosion, improving water quality, and enhancing overall environmental resilience. This note explores these benefits in detail, highlighting the critical role that trees play in natural stormwater management.

Reduction of Runoff: Trees play a vital role in reducing stormwater runoff by intercepting and absorbing rainfall. Their canopies act as natural umbrellas, capturing raindrops and allowing them to evaporate or drip slowly to the ground. This reduces the volume and velocity of runoff, mitigating the risk of flooding and erosion.
Soil Stabilization and Erosion Prevention: The extensive root systems of trees help stabilize soil and prevent erosion. During heavy rain, tree roots hold the soil in place, reducing the likelihood of landslides or slope failure. The roots also create channels that facilitate water infiltration into the ground, allowing the soil to act as a natural sponge and retain stormwater.
Water Quality Improvement: Trees contribute to improved water quality by filtering stormwater runoff. As water percolates through the soil, tree roots and the associated soil microorganisms act as natural filters, removing pollutants such as sediments, nutrients, heavy metals, and chemicals. This filtration process helps protect water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, and groundwater, from contamination.
Temperature Regulation: Trees can help mitigate the urban heat island effect, which is the phenomenon of increased temperatures in urban areas due to the abundance of impervious surfaces. By providing shade and transpiring water through their leaves, trees cool the surrounding environment. This cooling effect can reduce the volume of stormwater runoff generated and alleviate strain on stormwater infrastructure during intense rainfall events.
Carbon Sequestration and Air Quality Enhancement: Trees are excellent carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and storing it in their trunks, branches, leaves, and roots. By sequestering carbon, trees help combat climate change and reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases. Additionally, trees improve air quality by absorbing air pollutants and releasing oxygen through photosynthesis, contributing to a healthier and more pleasant urban environment.
Biodiversity and Habitat Creation: Trees support biodiversity by providing habitats for various species, including birds, insects, and small mammals. Urban areas with a rich tree canopy can harbor diverse ecosystems, creating interconnected habitats and promoting wildlife movement. This ecological diversity contributes to the overall resilience of the urban ecosystem and enhances the aesthetic appeal of green spaces.

The benefits of using trees for natural stormwater management are multifaceted and far-reaching. From reducing runoff and preventing erosion to improving water quality, temperature regulation, and carbon sequestration, trees play a vital role in creating sustainable and resilient urban environments. Incorporating trees into stormwater management strategies can help cities and communities combat the adverse effects of stormwater runoff while simultaneously promoting environmental health, biodiversity, and a higher quality of life. Emphasizing the importance of trees in stormwater management is essential for sustainable urban planning and the well-being of both humans and the natural world.

Preserving natural tree canopy and the prudent use of tree plantings in urban landscapes contributes to the control of runoff through a number of mechanisms.

Trees intercept and store runoff and transfer water back to the atmosphere through evapotranspiration, reducing the volume of runoff;
the shade and tree litter beneath the canopy help promote infiltration of precipitation that reaches the ground beneath the tree, providing moisture to the tree roots (ultimately to become transpiration) and reducing the volume of runoff;
roots, tree litter, and vegetative groundcover beneath the trees can slow the travel of runoff, resulting in lower times of concentration than associated with bare earth or impervious surfaces, and thus lowering peak runoff rates;
tree roots, leaf litter, and vegetative cover stabilize the soil surface, preventing erosion and associated impacts; and
trees, associated ground litter, and groundcover provide filtration and vegetative uptake of contaminants, enhancing water quality.

These functions for control of runoff and its impacts are further discussed below.

Interception and Evapotranspiration

Through the processes of interception, evaporation, and transpiration, trees and other vegetation capture and store a portion of rainfall and release water to the atmosphere, reducing the net amount of rainfall that becomes runoff. Rain is captured (intercepted) on a plant’s leaves and stems (for trees, the leaf and stem complex is referred to as “canopy”). A portion of this captured water evaporates back into the atmosphere before reaching the ground. Larger canopies intercept greater amounts of precipitation because there is more surface area available for water molecules to adhere to.

Some water flows down the plant stem to the ground as “stemflow”, and some rainfall infiltrates the ground around the plant, entering the root zone where the plant withdraws moisture to sustain itself. In this process, water taken up through its roots is then released through the plant’s vegetative structures as water vapor, a process known as transpiration. The combination of these two mechanisms – evaporation and transpiration – whereby a plant transfers moisture to the atmosphere is referred to as evapotranspiration. In both processes the water is diverted before ever becoming runoff.

Mature tree canopies are of particular value in the interception of rainfall. For example, in a New Hampshire hardwood forest at the Hubbard Brook LTER site, deciduous trees were observed to intercept 13% of the total rainfall during the leaf period and 12% of the total rainfall during the leafless period (Leonard, 1961).

Individual mature trees also provide significant rainfall interception. An illustration of this potential stormwater benefit using the National Tree Benefit Calculator was cited in Chapter 1 of this report (i.e., greater than 9% annual rainfall capture over the “footprint” of the tree). The significant volumes of interception shown in that example and in the Hubbard Brook study cited above are consistent with findings of other studies throughout the United States.

The amount of rainfall intercepted by vegetation varies depending on the type of species, time of year, and intensity and duration of the rainfall event. Species characteristics like leaf surface area and specific tree architecture contribute to the variation in total water intercepted. Also, trees typically intercept more rain during a storm of longer duration than a short storm with equal total rainfall accumulation (CUFR, 2002). In areas where rainfall is highest in the fall, winter, and spring, broadleaf evergreens and conifers intercept more rainfall than deciduous species (Xiao and McPherson 2002).

Promotion of Infiltration

Another crucial role plants have in reducing landscape runoff is facilitating ground water infiltration. Plants provide suitable conditions for water to infiltrate through several mechanisms. Decomposing plant material on the ground captures and temporarily stores runoff. Root systems create large pores in the soil called macropores that facilitate infiltration. Tree roots provide pathways for stormwater infiltration to enter soils compacted by development activity (e.g., see Bartens, et.al., 2008). The uptake of water from the soil by plants between rainfall events frees pore space that then becomes available for storage during a subsequent storm.

Note, however, that in the case of trees, much of the infiltrated water will ultimately be taken up by the trees themselves, so that in areas with extensive tree cover, deep groundwater recharge may actually be less than in areas with little or no tree cover.

Vegetative Retardance of Runoff

Vegetation not only reduces the volume of runoff, but can also reduce runoff velocity compared to flow over an un-vegetated surface (an effect referred to as vegetative retardance). This results in longer times of concentration. Natural surface roughness associated with vegetation contributes to lower peak rates of discharge than would occur on an un-vegetated landscape. Maintaining and restoring vegetated landscapes thus can contribute to the control of the rate runoff is transported through a drainage basin.

Surface Stabilization

Trees and other vegetation throughout the landscape stabilize slopes and channels and prevent soil erosion. Trees protect soil from direct exposure to falling rain by intercepting rain, absorbing the impact of rainfall that does drip from the leaf surface to the ground, and providing leaf litter that absorbs the impact of rainfall as it hits the ground. Each of these mechanisms helps prevent dislodgement of soil particles by rainfall. Additionally, the tree’s root system keeps soils intact, stabilizing slopes against displacement by runoff flowing over and through the surface soils. Reduced erosion rates from vegetated landscapes protect the quality of receiving waters by minimizing transport of sediments and associated pollutants.

Water Quality Enhancement

Not only can trees reduce the total amount and rate of stormwater runoff, they can also improve the water quality of runoff. The forest litter associated with woody plants (as well as groundcovers that may thrive beneath trees) can filter runoff as it passes over the ground. Woody plants in particular can uptake nutrients, contaminants, and metals from water or soil. A study showed that within one growing season a maple removed 60 mg of cadmium, 140 mg of chromium, 820 mg of nickel, and 5200 mg of lead (Coder, 1996). Vegetative pollutant uptake improves the surrounding soil and water quality, resulting in less contamination in runoff reaching the stormwater system from tree covered landscapes and from stormwater treatment practices that include tree plantings.

An additional water quality benefit provided by tree canopy comprises moderation of the thermal impacts of stormwater runoff. For discharges to temperature-sensitive water resources such as coldwater fisheries, prudent preservation or enhancement of tree cover to shade impervious surfaces (where runoff originates), outlet channels (where runoff discharges), and stream banks can moderate temperatures of stormwater discharges.