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| Photo of a majestic swamp white oak by maggie_and_her_camera. NOTE: As we scrolled through the seemingly endless list of messages in our computer’s in-basket this morning, the headline above forced us to slightly lift the ever-ready finger poised over the delete key. ‘Plant a tree and get air for free.’ As with all clever ad copy, it encouraged us to read its message below from Sustainable Princeton. We found it interesting. You might, too. –Editor Trees are vital. As the largest plants on the planet, trees are entwined with our lives in more ways than you can imagine. They create the air we breathe, soak up stormwater, and provide cooling shade, just to name a few. With so many trees recently lost to storm damage or disease, it’s important to replant with native species that are well-suited for our region. Check out Princeton’s native tree list to find ones that work. Take the New Jersey Invasive Species Do Not Plant list to the nursery so you can be sure to avoid invasives, like the Japanese or Norway maples. Looking to alleviate flood conditions in your yard or neighborhood? Consider trees that soak up a ton of water, like a beech, elm, or oak tree. For example, a mature swamp white oak, Princeton’s tree of the month, can absorb an impressive 16,000 gallons of stormwater runoff in a single year. Calculate stormwater statistics for your trees or potential new trees, as well as air quality benefits and property value impacts, using the National Tree Benefits Calculator. Have fun learning all about the value of your trees and make a plan to plant a new one today! |
