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Remodeling with Trees Can Have an Environmental Impact

For Immediate Release
For Further Information Contact Sonia Garth:
(217) 355-9411 Ext 217


Remodeling with Trees Can Have an Environmental Impact

Champaign, IL-When you are considering remodeling, don't just focus on the inside. Remodel your landscape as well. Besides increasing your property value, a landscape that includes trees will also increase the quality of the environment in which you live.

Trees planted today will offer benefits for years to come including altering the environment in which we live. Improving air quality, moderating climate, and conserving water are prime examples of the paybacks the urban forest can provide.

Improvement of air quality is obtained through the filtering process of the leaves.

  • Filtering removes dust and other particulates from the air
  • Absorption of air pollutants such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide
  • Renews the air supply by producing oxygen

Climate Control is obtained by moderating the effects of sun, wind, and rain.

  • Glare and Reflection Control
  • Wind Break, Deflection, and Filtration
  • Protection from downward fall of rain, sleet, and hail
  • Cost reduction due to shade and shelter, reducing yearly heating and cooling cost.

Water conservation occurs due to the interception of water by trees.

  • Reduction of storm run-off, erosion, and the possibility of flooding
  • Improvement of water quality through purification by slowing and filtering rain water

According to Jim Skiera, ISA Executive Director, "We often think of planting trees in a rural setting, overlooking that more than 80% of the population live in our cities, where additional trees can provide the greatest benefit." As communities grow, individuals need to consider what contributions they can make to improve the urbanized environment we live in.

Skiera advises, "With a small investment individual homeowners can play a role in improving the effects of urbanization by planting and maintaining trees." It is never too late to reap the environmental benefits that trees can provide. To paraphrase a Chinese proverb- the best time to plant a tree was 25 years ago, the next best time is today.

For more facts on the environmental benefits of trees, visit www.treesaregood.org.

The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is a nonprofit organization supporting tree care research around the world. Headquartered in Champaign, Ill., ISA is dedicated to the care and preservation of shade and ornamental trees. For more information, contact a local ISA Certified Arborist or visit www.isa-arbor.com.

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National Register of Big Trees
Big trees are symbols of all the good work trees do for the quality of the environment-and our quality of life. MORE >>

National Tree Benefits Calculator
The Tree Benefit Calculator allows anyone to make a simple estimation of the benefits individual street-side trees provide. This tool is based on i-Tree’s street tree assessment tool called STRATUM. With inputs of location, species and tree size, users will get an understanding of the environmental and economic value trees provide on an annual basis. The Tree Benefit Calculator is intended to be simple and accessible. As such, this tool should be considered a starting point for understanding trees’ value in the community, rather than a scientific accounting of precise values. For more detailed information on urban and community forest assessments, visit the i-Tree website. MORE >>

USDA Newsroom
USDA's collection of "hot topic" press releases ranging from current pest alerts for specific regions of the United States to new trends in disease prevention and tree and plant care. MORE >>


"The mighty oak was once a little nut that firmly stood it's ground."

Resources

Avoiding Tree Damage During Construction Brochure

Treatment of Trees Damaged by Construction Brochure

Available through the ISA Web store

© International Society of Arboriculture 2009
P.O. Box 3129, Champaign, IL 61826
Email comments & questions to isa@isa-arbor.com