As a long suffering greenspace lover I am constantly having the conversation around why we should be planting plants that grow higher than 1m
A lot of people believe that having any size tree on their property will lead to mass destruction especially when it rains.
Did you know that after a storm, councils typically see a spike in requests for tree removals – even for perfectly healthy trees.
Firstly we need to understand that trees falling over or losing limbs is an exception even during storms and high winds.
If trees do fall it is more likely due to improper tree management or wrong choice of tree originally. Basically it’s not the trees fault its ours. We need to start taking some responsibility and change the conversation.
I recently read an article on How to Prevent Trees Falling during storms.
The author of the article explains that removal of trees is not the answer as trees help us cope with storms and other extreme weather. “Removing all trees around a building can cause wind speeds to double, which puts roofs, buildings and lives at greater risk. Removing trees from steep slopes can cause the land to become unstable and more prone to landslides. And of course, trees keep us cooler during summer heatwaves.”
We need trees. We need green urban jungles not concrete ones.
In an blog I wrote a while ago I explained that we NEED plants and trees around our homes. You can read it here They makes us happier and healthier. They improve our house value. They make neighbourhoods safer. They can even reduce our bills ….
Not planting trees is not the answer. Instead, we must learn how to better manage and live with them. Trees are worth the trouble.
Get correct advice on what trees to plant. Google may have an answer for everything but it may not be correct for your situation. Follow LOCAL qualified horticulturists, visit LOCAL garden centres.
I understand trimming occasionally, fertilising, mulching and watering is a hassle for some. I get it. I hate cooking every night and then cleaning up afterwards. Gardening can be a chore for some, like cooking is a chore for me.
Outsource it.
Hire a QUALIFIED craft gardener.
We need to start changing the conversation.
We need to start asking
Why don’t you have a garden?
Who is your gardener?
What is that beautiful shade tree?