3 minute read
IN THE PRESENCE OF
WRITTEN BY: JEFFREY MILLER TREES The Presence of Trees
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6 / THE GOOD LIFE / urbantoadmedia.com The flutter of leaves in a warm summer breeze. Upright sentinels stopping arctic windblown snow. A snug place for a raccoon to raise her litter. Cool shade at the lake place. Trees are many different things to different people, but one thing is certain. We need trees.
Pre-settlement, the landscape around Fargo looked much different. Tall grass prairie stretched to the horizon. The only trees on the landscape grew in the riparian zones. Riparian zones are areas around water, such as lakes, rivers and ponds. Along the Red and Sheyenne Rivers in particular, a variety of native trees grew to great heights. Bur oak, cottonwood, American linden, boxelder, American elm, among others, stood in stark contrast to the prairie grasses that dominated the landscape.
In the modern day, cropland has replaced much of the prairie, and towns and cities dot the landscape. Impervious surfaces, such as concrete and homes, allow for rainwater and snowmelt to rush towards the rivers and streams, carrying contaminants and pollutants. In modern urban life, is there any room for conservation?
The answer to that question is a resounding YES! While large-scale conservation efforts are more obvious, even the smallest of efforts can have a big impact.
Urban areas benefit greatly by the presence of trees. Typical turfgrass lawns, without trees, soak up very little rainfall. Even one mature tree in a yard will use thousands of gallons of water each year. The graceful arching branches provide cooling shade for homes and businesses. Particulate matter air pollution can be reduced by trees growing in urban areas. Some species of trees can even provide fresh fruit.
Arguably, more importantly, trees provide a touchstone for nature. Beyond the swirl of traffic, the crush of humanity, and the sterility of turfgrass, trees lend a glimmer of the natural world. Urban wildlife, from birds to squirrels to microorganisms and fungus make their home in and on trees. Studies have shown that
homes and businesses with trees and shrubs are, on average, more appealing to buyers. A recent study at Australia's University of Wollongong revealed that 30% or more total green space, that included tree canopy, was associated with 31% lower rates of psychological distress. The natural colors, shapes, aromas and sounds of a tree or urban forest provide distraction and relief from daily stresses. The Japanese even have a term for it. Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, is the practice of taking in the forest through our senses. As a recent study from the Environmental Protection Agency has shown, the average American spends 93% of their time indoors.
Soil Conservation Districts in North Dakota and Soil and Water Conservation Districts in Minnesota sell bare-root conservation-grade trees and shrub seedlings that are lowcost alternatives to large landscape trees. In addition, technical advice and planning are free. Staff, such as Programs Manager Tony Peterson at the Cass County Soil Conservation District, are trained and experienced in evaluating each location to determine the best species of tree to plant. Every tree species grows best in specific soils, and it's important to match the species to the soil. With informed recommendations and guidance, tree planting failures can be avoided.
A wide variety of native and introduced tree and shrubs species can be grown in Fargo-Moorhead. Species such as Scotch Pine, Black Hills Spruce, Nanking Cherry, Ohio Buckeye, and Silver Maple aren't native species but grow well in our soils. Native species such as Bur Oak, Native Cottonwood, American Linden and Boxelder will also lend beauty to any property. The old axiom of "think global, act local" applies well to trees. Planting just a few trees provides huge benefits for everyone. •
