Stand by your tree: why you should save your tree and how
Did you know that a fully-grown tree is a real treasure? On hot days, trees provide shade and cool their surroundings, and on rainy days, their roots absorb water effectively. Trees also provide nourishment and a habitat for numerous birds, insects and fungi.
Whether you are a builder, property manager or an Espoo resident, you can, through your own actions, contribute to ensuring that Espoo will remain a lush and nature-oriented place in the future. Often, saving trees does not require any action on your part. The trees we save today will also delight and benefit future Espoo residents.
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Trees protect against consequences of climate change
The climate is changing, and summers are getting increasingly warm. Large trees provide shade for the courtyard or garden they grow in. The leaves of a tree emit water, as a result of which the temperature in the vicinity of the tree can be up to 2 degrees lower than elsewhere in the environment. This makes the courtyard a more pleasant place to stay in the summer heat.
As a result of climate change, rainfall will also increase. Rain and melt water can cause flooding and moisture damage to buildings. Trees and vegetation provide a natural way to manage stormwater on the plot.
Trees take care of your mind and health
Living in a nature-oriented environment has a positive effect on well-being. In a lush environment, the mind is refreshed, resistance to disease improves and blood pressure decreases. Closeness to nature also encourages people to be physically active.
The greenery of residential areas is particularly beneficial for children and people with limited mobility who cannot enjoy nature far from home. A garden tree can inspire children to play a wide range of different games.
Read more about the effects of nature on well-being: Well-being from nature
Trees are the lifeblood of organisms living in cities
The city is home not only to humans, but also to many other species. For example, an entire community of organisms may have formed in an old tree whose inhabitants depend on each other and, ultimately, the tree. The foliage, trunk and root system of a large tree are home to a diverse group of organisms. Birds, squirrels and bats nest under the branches and in the holes in the tree trunk.
Trees are also valuable when rotting, be they still standing or lying on the ground – they bring colourful polypores, funny beetles and useful pollinators to the garden. It is estimated that there are up to 5,000 species in Finland that are dependent on decaying wood.
Saving trees is a profitable investment
A green courtyard and trees growing in it offer financial benefits to the developer as well as the owner and residents of flats. The vegetation visible from the window increases the value of flats.
A tree in the garden decreases living costs: trees provide shade and cool houses and the surrounding environment, reducing the need for artificial cooling during the summer heat. The roots of the tree absorb rainwater and meltwater and, especially on steep slopes, prevent soil erosion. The benefits of an adult tree are many in relation to small saplings, the benefits of which will only materialise after decades.
How to preserve any trees growing on your plot during construction
The owner of the plot has the power to decide the fate of the trees growing on the plot. Trees to be saved should be taken into account right at the beginning of the planning. The client can direct the construction so that as many of the fully-grown trees growing on the plot as possible are saved. Consumers are calling on companies to take action to combat the loss of biodiversity and mitigate climate change.
Saving trees during construction requires a systematic approach. Trees must be taken into consideration when planning on-site arrangements. Ensure that the trunk and roots of the tree are adequately protected so that it is not damaged by working machinery and the storage of building materials. Be sure to also instruct subcontractors!
The RT Building Information File(external link, opens in a new window) has good instructions for protecting trees during construction. Espoo’s Environmental Protection has prepared guidelines on the protection of trees in the access routes and habitats of flying squirrels (in Finnish but with pictures). The guidelines can also be applied to other construction projects.
How to care for trees in your garden
Sometimes a tree that seems to be in poor condition or rotten can still be full of life. If you are not sure whether a tree poses a risk to people or buildings, ask a professional such as an arborist or forest officer to assess the situation. Sometimes the tree can be fully or partially saved. Often, a simple management cutting is enough.
In the urban area of Espoo, you always need a permit before felling a tree. If a tree needs to be cut down, part of the trunk can be left in the garden either standing or lying on the ground. A dead tree can be a decoration for the garden. Decaying wood is still part of the nutrient cycle. Do not bother raking leaves – you will remove vital nutrients from the soil! Shred the leaves with a lawnmower, put them in compost or pile them up to protect plantings. There are many different insects that hibernate among fallen leaves.
More tips for supporting nature in your garden: Tips for helping nature