Trees in the Suburban Landscape
Why are they so important?
Urban and community forests include the trees along roads and highways, in our parks, and in our neighborhoods. These are the trees we live with every day. Urban and community forests are closely associated with people and the environment in which we reside. They provide a wide range of economic, environmental and aesthetic benefits to society and greatly improve our quality of life.
How do we save our community forests?
- Educate yourself and others about our urban forest benefits.
- Do not clear cut your property of trees.
- Maintain trees in your own backyard.
- Support tree protection efforts and local ordinances.
- Sponsor environmental education programs.
- Hold an Arbor Day or Earth Day celebration.
- Plant a tree!
Economic and Energy Conservation Benefits
- Property values are increased by an average of 10%
- The value of an average healthy street tree = $2,000
- Retail sales in areas where trees are incorporated into the
landscape are increased - Tree windbreaks can reduce winter heating costs by 20-30%
- Shade trees reduce the exterior surface temperatures of buildings
by 16 degrees F, cutting air conditioning costs - A single tree will absorb one ton of carbon dioxide over its lifetime
Social and Health Benefits
- Nourish the human spirit
- Provide limitless recreational opportunities for young and old
- Offer a sense of history and place
- Please the senses
- Relieve stress and contribute to a sense of relaxation
- Improve medical recovery and convalescence
- Reduce domestic conflicts
- Lower school aggression
- Provide a sense of community
Environmental Benefits
Air Quality
- Remove atmospheric carbon dioxide
- Reduce airborne pollutants
Water Quality/Quantity
- Absorb rainwater runoff
- Filter and cleanse runoff before it enters streams and reservoirs
- Reduce soil erosion and improve filtration
Climate Control
- Act as a buffer against harsh winds
- Provide shade from the sun
- Ameliorate the thermal impact of paved surfaces
Wildlife Habitat/Biodiversity
- Hold soil to reduce sedimentation choking aquatic vegetation
- Act as sanctuaries for understory plants
- Provide important habitat for wildlife
Noise Pollution Reduction
Go Green with Trees
Why Plant Natives?
A plant species is considered “native” to the United States if it was present in the country before the arrival of settlers. Native trees, such as oaks and dogwood, have evolved in partnership with the local wildlife to create a thriving inter-related community of flora and fauna. Animals and insects rely on certain native trees and plants to provide specific food and protection at crucial times in their life cycles. Without these native plant species, the whole ecosystem withers and the landscape lacks species diversity in both plants and animals and is characterized by adverse changes in soil conditions.
In contrast to native plant species, non-natives evolved in other areas of the world. Often these non-natives were brought to the U.S. for ornamental plantings, such as rhododendrons and boxwood. Many non-native plants cannot support our local wildlife. In addition, over the years as some non-natives escaped from gardens, they have out-competed and crowded out our valuable native plants. Reduced biodiversity and failing ecosystems are happening not only in the world at large, but also right here in our own backyards - and the spread of non-natives at the expense of natives is part of the problem.
For these reasons, the Wilton Garden Club advocates planting native trees whenever possible. Described below are five native trees appropriate to our climate and growing conditions.
Ornamental Native Trees
for the Suburban Yard
Suburban yards and gardens play a big part in our local ecosystem, and wise landscaping can help preserve our local environment’s vitality. Native plants are adapted to thrive in here in southwestern Connecticut and are more resistant to our native plant diseases. Many of our best landscape plants are natives that provide beauty as well as food and shelter for local wildlife.
Featured in the following pages are five favorite trees well suited for most suburban yards. Dogwood, Redbud and Shadblow are mid-size deciduous trees with lovely flowers, fall color and interesting bark. Hemlock and American Holly are well-loved for their welcome green throughout the cold winter months. We invite you to enjoy these trees as well as the many other native trees and shrubs available in our local nurseries.
| Dogwood | (Cornus florida) |
| Redbud | (Cercis canadensis) |
| Shadblow | (Amelanchier spp.) |
| American Holly | (Ilex opaca) |
| Hemlock | (Tsuga canadensis) |