A recent study from the U.S. Forest Service reported that Georgia is losing more trees than any other state in the nation—an average of 18,000 acres of trees per year. And Atlanta was identified as losing its trees at the fifth fastest rate in the country.
Georgia isn’t the only place in the nation losing trees, of course, but this is a concerning fact. Trees make major contributions to the environment, aesthetics, and, ultimately, human health. Tree loss might mean small inconveniences in some areas. But in other areas, tree loss can have significant consequences.
In urban areas, tree cover is a key factor in reducing temperatures. Cities can be five degrees hotter than rural areas, due to buildings and pavement absorbing heat. And higher temperatures in the summertime can exacerbate human health problems such as heat exhaustion, respiratory issues, dehydration, and general discomfort.
Moreover, research shows that trees also:
- Build a sense of community
- Help residents feel safer, and may help reduce crime
- Help children who play in forested areas do better in school and improve social skills.
So why is Georgia losing trees? Growth is certainly a key factor, as our state is one of the most popular for people to move to. But there are other factors that have accelerated tree loss, including the Southern Pine Beetle, drought, and tree disease. And the faster the tree loss, the more risk there is that we will lose even more tree cover.
Jarvis Tree Experts provides a variety of services, and one of the most important in recent years is to work as a consulting arborist. We help commercial, residential, and government developers plan and maintain trees and other vegetation. We help developers select the right tree and shrub combinations so that as they mature, they enhance the landscape, rather than taking it over.
We can help you plan your project, counsel you on what plants to select, and advise you on the best way to install your trees and shrubs. We’ll also help you understand future maintenance requirements and what you can expect this year, next year, and decades later.
This can protect your investment in your trees—and help you create a greenspace that has benefits for many people.
Want to know more about how a consulting arborist can help you improve your landscaping? Click here to get a conversation going.
Originally posted 2022-07-19 12:12:57.
Originally posted 2022-07-19 12:12:57.
