- March 29, 2024
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It’s mid-summer and the kids are playing in the front yard, the cars at your work place migrate from one side of the parking lot to the other during the day, your neighbor’s AC unit kicks on while you wonder why yours does not come on so often. Trees impact our lives in many ways as silent servants. Arbor Day is a chance to give a shout out to them.
Current research has documented some of the measurable benefits that trees provide:
Health benefits: Scientific studies have confirmed lower mortality rates by 5-10 percent for people who live in close proximity to green space. Desk workers with views of nature experience a lower rate of sickness and less mental fatigue. Trees reduce our exposure to ultraviolet light, lowering the risk of skin cancer and cataracts. People who view nature after stressful situations show reduced physiological stress response and decreased feelings of aggression.
Economic: Consumers have a greater preference for commercial streetscapes with trees in contrast to areas without trees. People shop more often and longer in well-landscaped business districts and are willing to pay more for parking and up to 12 percent more for goods and services. People are willing to pay more for properties with ample trees than they would for lots with few or no trees.
Trees as Infrastructure: Trees absorb gaseous pollutants, intercept particulate matter, reduce our demand for air conditioning thus saving the cost of energy production, and reduce storm water runoff and nonpoint source pollution.
Public Safety: Trees contribute to reduced levels of domestic violence as well as foster safer, more sociable neighborhood environments. Street trees act as traffic calming tools, slowing the speed of traffic. Crime in neighborhoods with well-maintained street trees is less than in similar neighborhoods with fewer trees or no trees.
Because of these studies and many more that document the social, economic and cultural benefits of trees, urban forestry is being included more prominently in the vision of our nation’s future cities.
The President’s “America’s Great Outdoors” (AGO) Report made it loud and clear how important urban parks, trees and green spaces are to our well-being.
The “Vibrant Cities and Urban Forest” report shows how urban forestry can solve problems that face our cities as green infrastructure, addressing storm water run-off, mitigation of air pollution and extreme heat, along with some of the social, economic and public health issues facing our cities.
“Walkable Communities” acknowledges that tree-lined streets are safer in both urban and suburban settings.
New Urbanism’s charter recognizes the value of green open space and the natural environment in creating successful urban places.
Sustainable Site Initiative (SITES) provides comprehensive guidelines and a rating system for sustainable land design, construction and maintenance practices.
So why we celebrate Arbor Day is clear: for what trees have done and will continue to do.
How do we celebrate? Simply plant a tree in the right place. The social, physical fitness and psychological benefits will be immediate.
Knowing the future benefits that the tree will provide makes the tree like a greeting card to the next generation, letting them know how much we cared and thought of them.
For Maitland residents there will be the annual Adopt-a-Tree Program at the Maitland Farmers Market on April 29 at Lake Lily Park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come on out and select a tree and arrange for delivery the following Friday.
—Brian Dierks, city of Maitland arborist
City Council meeting of April 9
City Council meets the second and fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 1776 Independence Lane. The next meeting is scheduled for April 9. Below is part of the agenda for that meeting.
Public Hearings:
Ordinance – Creating the Downtown Maitland Zoning District
Ordinance – Rezone Properties within the Downtown Maitland Zoning District
Decision Items:
Ordinance – Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption
Visit itsmymaitland.com for the complete agenda and approved meeting minutes.