THE SCIENCE BEHIND HOW TREES IMPROVE WATER QUALITY

Water quality is of paramount importance for both human health and maintaining the delicate balance of ecosystems. Clean and safe water is essential for sustaining life, supporting various ecological processes, and ensuring the well-being of both human populations and the environment. Here’s an explanation of the significance of water quality:

Human Health:

Access to clean and safe drinking water is crucial for preventing waterborne diseases and ensuring public health.
Contaminated water can contain harmful pathogens, bacteria, viruses, and pollutants that can lead to illnesses, including gastrointestinal infections, cholera, and other serious health issues.

Safe Food Production:

Water quality plays a vital role in agriculture and food production, as water is used for irrigation, livestock, and aquaculture.
Contaminated water can introduce pathogens and pollutants into crops, livestock, and fisheries, affecting the safety of the food supply.

Economic Impact:

Poor water quality can lead to economic losses due to increased healthcare costs, reduced agricultural productivity, and decreased tourism revenue in areas with contaminated water bodies.

Ecosystem Services:

Aquatic ecosystems provide essential services such as water purification, nutrient cycling, and habitat support for countless species.
Clean water supports healthy ecosystems, which, in turn, contribute to ecosystem services like flood regulation, climate regulation, and biodiversity conservation.

Biodiversity Conservation:

Healthy water bodies support diverse aquatic habitats, providing homes for various species of fish, plants, insects, and other organisms.
Clean water is vital for maintaining biodiversity and preserving the balance of ecosystems.

Water Resource Management:

Water quality is critical for sustainable water resource management, ensuring that water is available for various uses, such as drinking, agriculture, industry, and recreation.
Poor water quality can lead to water scarcity and conflicts over water resources.

Recreation and Aesthetics:

Clean water bodies provide opportunities for recreational activities like swimming, boating, and fishing.
Aesthetic and recreational value of water bodies contribute to the overall quality of life in communities.

Aquatic Habitats and Species Health:

Aquatic organisms, including fish, amphibians, and invertebrates, are highly sensitive to changes in water quality.
Poor water quality can lead to habitat degradation, decline in populations, and disruptions in the aquatic food chain.

Climate Regulation:

Aquatic systems, including rivers, lakes, and oceans, play a role in climate regulation by absorbing and storing heat and carbon dioxide.
Water bodies with healthy ecosystems contribute to climate resilience and the global carbon cycle.

Preventing Water Scarcity:

Ensuring water quality helps prevent contamination of freshwater sources, reducing the need for costly water treatment processes.
Protecting water quality contributes to the sustainability of water resources and helps prevent water scarcity.

In conclusion, water quality is vital for safeguarding human health, supporting thriving ecosystems, and maintaining essential ecosystem services. Ensuring clean and safe water is not only crucial for our own well-being but also for the preservation of biodiversity, ecological balance, and the sustainability of our planet.

How Trees Play a Crucial Role in Improving Water Quality

Trees play a crucial and multifaceted role in improving water quality by acting as natural filters, stabilizing soil, and reducing pollution runoff. Through various processes, trees contribute to cleaner and healthier water bodies, benefiting both human populations and ecosystems. Here’s how trees play a vital role in improving water quality:

Filtration of Rainwater and Runoff:

Trees intercept and absorb rainwater, reducing the force of raindrops hitting the ground and preventing soil erosion.
This interception minimizes the direct impact of rain on soil, helping to prevent sedimentation and the transport of pollutants into water bodies.

Absorption of Pollutants:

Tree roots absorb and filter pollutants, such as heavy metals, nutrients, and contaminants, from the soil.
Pollutants that are absorbed by tree roots are less likely to leach into groundwater or be carried by runoff into streams and rivers.

Sediment Trapping:

Tree canopies slow down rainwater as it falls, allowing sediment particles to settle on leaves and branches.
By trapping sediments, trees prevent soil erosion and reduce the amount of sediment that enters water bodies.

Nutrient Uptake:

Trees absorb excess nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, from the soil through their roots.
This nutrient uptake prevents nutrient runoff into water bodies, which can lead to eutrophication, algal blooms, and water pollution.

Erosion Prevention:

Trees help stabilize soil with their extensive root systems, preventing soil erosion caused by rain and water movement.
By holding soil in place, trees reduce sediment runoff and the introduction of particles into water bodies.

Riparian Zone Protection:

Riparian zones are areas along water bodies where trees and vegetation are present.
Trees in riparian zones protect against bank erosion, filter pollutants from runoff, and create a buffer between land-based activities and water bodies.

Phytochemical Effects:

Trees release natural compounds known as phytochemicals into the soil and water.
These phytochemicals can break down or immobilize pollutants, contributing to water quality improvement.

Carbon Sequestration and pH Balance:

Trees sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, reducing its concentration in water bodies and stabilizing pH levels.
Balanced pH levels are essential for aquatic ecosystems and the organisms they support.

Stormwater Management:

Urban trees play a role in managing stormwater by absorbing rainwater and reducing runoff.
This reduces the volume of stormwater entering drainage systems, preventing the transport of pollutants into water bodies.

Temperature Regulation:

Trees provide shade, which helps regulate water temperature in aquatic ecosystems.
Cooler water temperatures support healthy aquatic habitats and prevent thermal pollution.

In conclusion, trees are nature’s allies in improving water quality. Through their capacity to filter, absorb, and stabilize, trees mitigate the impacts of pollution, sedimentation, and runoff on water bodies. By recognizing the vital role of trees and preserving and restoring forested areas, we can contribute to cleaner, healthier water resources that benefit both human communities and the environment.

How Trees Act as Natural Filters for Rainwater and Runoff

Trees act as natural filters for rainwater and runoff by intercepting, slowing down, and absorbing water, which helps remove pollutants and prevent sedimentation before water reaches streams, rivers, and other water bodies. This natural filtration process plays a crucial role in improving water quality and protecting aquatic ecosystems. Here’s how trees function as natural filters for rainwater and runoff:

Interception of Rainwater:

When rain falls, trees intercept a significant portion of the water on their leaves, branches, and stems.
This interception reduces the impact of raindrops on the ground, preventing soil erosion and the dislodging of particles into water bodies.

Slowing Down Runoff:

Trees contribute to slowing down the movement of rainwater over the land surface.
As rainwater encounters the tree canopy and its foliage, the water is dispersed and directed in multiple directions, reducing the speed at which it flows.

Surface Filtration:

Leaves and branches of trees serve as surfaces that filter rainwater as it flows across them.
Particles such as dust, debris, and pollutants are captured and held on the tree’s surfaces, preventing them from entering water bodies.

Absorption by Roots:

Tree roots absorb rainwater and runoff from the soil, which helps prevent the water from carrying soil particles and contaminants into water bodies.
The absorption process allows trees to remove pollutants such as heavy metals, nutrients, and organic compounds from the water.

Soil Binding and Sedimentation Prevention:

Tree root systems bind soil particles, stabilizing the soil structure and reducing erosion caused by water movement.
By preventing soil erosion, trees help maintain the integrity of the surrounding landscape and prevent sediment from entering water bodies.

Microbial Action:

Soil under trees is rich in microbial life that aids in breaking down and decomposing organic matter.
Microbial activity contributes to the natural degradation of pollutants, improving water quality.

Buffer Zones and Riparian Areas:

Trees in riparian areas (along rivers, streams, and lakes) create buffer zones that filter runoff before it enters water bodies.
These buffer zones allow rainwater to pass through layers of vegetation and soil, removing contaminants in the process.

Preventing Nutrient Runoff:

Trees absorb excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from the soil.
By preventing these nutrients from leaching into water bodies, trees reduce the risk of nutrient pollution and harmful algal blooms.

Enhancing Infiltration:

Tree roots help create channels in the soil that facilitate water infiltration.
Improved infiltration allows rainwater to percolate into the ground, reducing runoff and the transport of pollutants.

Promoting Groundwater Recharge:

Trees contribute to groundwater recharge by allowing rainwater to gradually infiltrate the soil and replenish underground aquifers.
This replenishment of groundwater resources helps maintain water availability and quality.

In summary, trees act as natural filters for rainwater and runoff by intercepting, slowing down, and absorbing water. Through this process, trees remove pollutants, prevent sedimentation, and protect water bodies from the negative impacts of runoff. Preserving and restoring tree cover is essential for maintaining the natural filtration capacity of ecosystems and ensuring cleaner, healthier water resources.

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Fiddle Leaf Fig Care

Native to the rainforests of western and central Africa, the Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree (Ficus lyrata) is a stunning plant with huge green leaves and an even larger following of houseplant fans. Despite its popularity, it’s certainly not the easiest houseplant to look after, but its visual impact in a space is unmatched when given proper conditions and care.
The Fiddle Leaf Fig appreciates a warm, humid environment, a fair amount of water and plenty of light. Choose a location away from air vents and drafts where the tree will receive plenty of bright ambient light. Directly in front of, or close by a southern or western facing window is ideal, and eastern exposure can also work as long as the plant is directly in the window and the space feels very bright. A few hours of direct sun is also beneficial. If placed in a full-sun location (where the plant will receive over 6 hours of direct light daily), a humid environment will keep your Fiddle Leaf looking its best. We do not recommend this plant for windows with northern exposure. They will not thrive in low-light locations.

If you’re unsure about your lighting conditions, placing the tree directly next to the window is the safest bet. We also have a guide for how to measure light in your space.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees are particularly sensitive to environmental changes. They will likely take a little time to adjust to their new home. Be sure to follow the care instructions, and don’t panic if yours loses a few leaves. If leaf discoloration or leaf loss persists, please reach out and we will help troubleshoot!

Lastly, if you are using a container made from organic materials to pot your Fiddle Leaf in, we highly recommend using a waterproof saucer underneath to protect your floors, as humidity may accumulate beneath the pot due to the volume of water this plant requires.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaf

The common name for this plant, Fiddle Leaf Fig, comes from the fact that the leaves are the size and shape of a fiddle.

Routine Maintenance

Always be sure to assess your plant’s watering needs upon receiving it. Before giving your plant a drink, it is best to check the moisture level in the soil first to ensure it isn’t moist right beneath the surface. Also, consider aerating the soil of your plant before the initial watering. Many growers compact the soil to avoid shifting during transit, so aerating can aid in drainage, help the soil breathe and allow moisture to be released.

The Fiddle Leaf Fig likes its soil to be kept consistently, evenly moist with a brief drying out period between watering as it comes from an area of the world that gets very dry between rain storms. Water it thoroughly whenever the top 2” of soil have dried. Allowing the soil to dry deep to the lower root system will lead to leaf loss, so be sure to check in with the soil regularly until you develop a routine with your plant. In contrast, too much moisture in the soil can lead to root rot and also cause leaves to drop.
The best way we have found to obtain an accurate moisture reading throughout the soil is with a soil probe, which allows you to check your plant’s moisture level at the root level and can also be used to aerate the soil if ever overwatered. Our Monitor Brass Soil Probe is an elegant option.

We highly recommend potting your Fiddle Leaf, as it is a challenging plant to keep alive long term in its nursery pot — however make sure to pot it in a permanent planter with plenty of soil mass and crucially, drainage. If your Fiddle Leaf Fig is planted in a container without a drainage hole, you must be very careful not to overwater. In this scenario we suggest allowing your Fiddle Leaf Fig to dry out slightly more between waterings and use a soil probe to see how damp the soil is at the root level before watering. These plants do particularly well in our self watering containers!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my Ficus have a bacterial infection or root rot?

Probably not. Although the internet is ablaze with this diagnosis, we’ve found this affliction to be exceedingly rare in the thousands of Ficuses we’ve cared for through our sister company, Greenery NYC. It’s probably another problem such as low light or overwatering. However, we have a guide on how to identify fungal and bacterial leaf spotting if you’re interested in learning more.

Help! My Fiddle Leaf Fig dropped a leaf!

Ficus trees are sensitive to environmental change and transplanting. The dry, cold air is a big shift from the warm humidity of the greenhouse, and Ficus will temporarily go into shock and drop leaves. Don’t worry, this is a temporary state. It will take a couple of weeks for your tree to normalize and it might drop a couple of leaves in the process. However, if the leaves continue to drop it could be a sign of improper light or water.

My Fiddle Leaf Fig has brown spots and the leaves are dropping. What do I do?

The number one mistake most people make in taking care of their plants is overwatering. Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees prefer to dry out slightly between watering, and while they take a good deal of water to keep healthy, soggy soil will drown the plant. If your leaves start to brown and fall and the soil is moist, let the plant dry out until the soil becomes completely dry.

The second biggest mistake people make is not enough light. Fiddle Leafs need a lot of light to thrive and will start shedding their leaves if they’re not absorbing enough energy. If you’re unsure about where to put your plant, it’s best to place it by a window. For more information visit our lighting guide.

Under watering can also be a big killer of the fiddle leaf fig. When under watered, the rim of the leaves will start to brown and curl in, which will eventually spread throughout the leaf. Under watered leaves that have fallen will normally be either fully brown or mostly brown, and dry to the touch.

Brown fiddle leaf fig (ficus lyrata) leaf, due to over watering.Brown holes on a fiddle leaf fig leaf (Ficus lyrata) due to lack of light. LEFT: An example of overwatering on a dropped leaf. Note the browning spreading through the leaf’s veins from the central node (or midrib), a telltale sign that the plant has received excessive water. RIGHT: Brown spotting or holes in the leaves typically signal that the plant isn’t receiving enough light. This is common on the lower leaves of the tree, which can become shaded out over time.

How do I tell when my Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree needs water?

Once you’ve established that the top few inches of soil have dried, the easiest way to tell if your Fiddle Leaf needs water is to look at the leaves. If the leaves are not rigid and upright, and they start to look floppy, they’re telling you they need water. Be sure to check in regularly with your tree to ensure you don’t underwater until you establish a routine.

Underwatered Fiddle Leaf Fig / Ficus Lyrata before and afterAn underwatered Fiddle Leaf Fig tree on the left, and the same tree less than 24 hours later.

How much light is too much light for the Fiddle Leaf Fig?

Fiddle leaf fig sunburn.Sunburn on a Fiddle Leaf Fig’s leaves.

Fiddle Leaf Figs will generally do fine if placed right in front of a window in NYC. However, they can’t take extended periods of full sun (being placed outside on a sunny day). In extremely bright apartments (i.e. floor to ceiling windows) they may get sunburned, and in this instance your safest bet is putting them in front of the window with a sheer curtain. Do not block the light with a partial shade like a solar shade as they will block out the full spectrum of the sun’s radiation.

Can I put my Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree next to the AC / heater?

Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees are tropical plants that appreciate a humid environment. If conditions are too dry they will drop their leaves. While Fiddle Leafs will thrive in an air conditioned apartment, always avoid putting them in the direct line of fire for either AC or heating units. If their leaves are wagging from the air, it’s best to find another spot.

How often should I fertilize my Fiddle Leaf Fig?

In general, house plants will thrive when they are fertilized spring through fall. Fertilize once a month with an organic houseplant fertilizer, following the package instructions for dilution and administration. Greenery NYC uses an organic potting mix with a slow release fertilizer in the soil, so your plant will not need fertilizer within the first 6 months of receiving it.

How often does my Fiddle Leaf Fig need to be repotted?

For larger floor plants, we suggest repotting every 18-24 months. Typically you want to choose a potting vessel 2”- 4” larger in diameter to allow for growth. Don’t choose a pot much larger than the previous as this could drown the plants roots. If you prefer to maintain the current size of your plant, repot into the same vessel, providing new soil and trimming away some roots and foliage. Spring or summer is the ideal time to repot as the plant is at its strongest.

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