Tropical paradise. Sunshine State. The Everglades. Florida conjures images of sandy beaches, warm aqua waters and lush greenery. Yet, the unique ecosystems that make the state so verdant require diligent care to thrive amidst rapid development. Trees form the living backbone of these habitats. From swaying palms to mossy oaks draped in Spanish moss, they provide life-giving shade, clean air, and water while creating habitats for birds, bees, and wildlife. Caring for these arboreal wonders through proper pruning ensures that their environmental gifts continue blessing the Sunshine State. Read on to learn a little bit more about the benefits that trees offer your property!
The Air We Breathe is Cleaner
Step outside after one of Florida’s infamous afternoon thunderstorms. The air feels refreshed, and even easier to breathe somehow. That’s because rain helps to wash pollution from the atmosphere. But even on muggy, sunny days, we owe thanks to trees for every revitalizing breath.
Leaves are the lungs of our planet. They inhale carbon dioxide through tiny pores called stomata, using sunlight and chlorophyll to transform it into carbohydrates and oxygen. This process, called photosynthesis, provides the foundation for nearly all life on Earth. And trees do it extraordinarily well!
Trees also filter particulates like dust, ash and smoke. Their leaves capture these irritating particles while absorbing dangerous gases like sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide. In one year, a single tree scrubs about 15 pounds of particulates from surrounding air. Their services rival the most advanced filtration technology money can buy—and they work for free.
Proper pruning ensures maximum leaf surface area for absorbing pollutants. It prevents hazards like breaking limbs that necessitate removal. A certified arborist assesses each tree’s form and needs, trimming judiciously to balance beauty with function. Trees reward our care by continuing to provide their air purifying magic for generations to come.
Water Runoff Decreases
Hurricanes crash into Florida as broad spirals of rain and wind, seeking to saturate the ground. But the state’s trees help mitigate the watery onslaught through their thirsty, far-reaching roots. Tree roots soak up amazing quantities of water to nourish immense trunks and leafy canopies.
And unlike hardscapes like roads and rooftops that send rainwater skittering across pavement into gutters or floodwaters, the spongy forest floor welcomes rainfall. Leaves and needles break the impact, allowing water to filter slowly into thirsty roots and soil. This absorption prevents much runoff that would otherwise inundate waterways and properties downstream.
Soil Holds Strong
Florida’s porous peninsula dangles into surrounding seas, vulnerable to erosion from storms and encroaching tides. Sturdy tree roots can stabilize shorelines and secure inland soils against such assaults.
When improper pruning cuts leave trunks and branches unbalanced or disease attacks root systems, trees become hazards. A certified arborist assesses which trees pose dangers in the face of worsening tropical storms and carefully removes these risks.
Ongoing stewardship ensures each property contributes to the coastal and community resilience provided by healthy stands of trees. Homeowners benefit through reduced foundation repairs and flooding. The entire state gains through protection of precious topsoil and aquatic habitats from erosion.
Shade Cuts Energy Bills
Floridians know the necessity of staying cool in the state’s sweltering summers. For homes without sufficient insulation or energy efficient windows and appliances, running the AC nonstop leads to astronomical power bills. But before air conditioning existed, creative architects and landscapers used trees strategically placed around buildings to moderate temperatures naturally.
Tall trees on the east and west sides filter the intense morning and afternoon sun. Shorter ones on the south allow in warming winter rays while providing respite from the high midday sun.
Over two thirds of home energy use in Florida goes toward electricity to power air conditioning. By providing free natural air conditioning, shade trees can reduce bills by hundreds of dollars annually.
Having an arborist optimize your property’s placement and tree selection provides free cooling worth far more than their fees. Keeping trees trimmed for optimal shade and health pays exponential dividends in energy savings and carbon reduction.
Natural Habitats Form
Primeval forests once covered Florida, sheltering bountiful wildlife. Development has fragmented much of this habitat. Pockets of preserved forest along with trees in parks, yards, and street strips provide vital connections. These spaces offer food and shelter for birds, beneficial insects, and other animals.
Tree canopies are home to birds, as crowns of mature laurel and live oaks support complex mini-ecosystems. Lower down, butterflies consume nectar from fruit tree blossoms. Bees gather pollen and nest in hollow trunks. Squirrels feed on trees’ seeds and nuts. Trees become avian and pollinator superhighways, supporting migratory species and year-round residents.
An arborist helps preserve these vital habitats through proper care. Pruning dead wood eliminates hazards while encouraging growth. Selective removal maintains optimal spacing and light penetration. Integrated pest management controls parasites. Thriving stands of mature, native trees maintained through science-based care techniques offer food, refuge and undisturbed nesting sites.
When it comes to Florida’s climate patterns, we may not be able to prevent fiercer storms or higher temperatures. But caring for our trees helps mitigate these impacts while providing life-giving oxygen for all creatures.
From cleansing our air and hydrating the ground to shading our homes and sheltering wildlife, trees show invaluable benefits. Caring for these gentle giants through regular professional pruning, vigilant stewardship and loving plantings allows us to give back and strengthen the Sunshine State. Contact a certified arborist to craft a science-based plan that leaves your little corner of paradise even more beautiful for future generations. Our trees sustain Florida’s people, animals and ecosystems, so with mindful care, these arboreal wonders will continue blessing our state for centuries to come.
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