Tree hugger as an insult is odd, I find, as it makes clear the accuser has never hugged a tree. The stereotype of caring for the environment as a niche interest for the weird and hippie is outdated and makes little sense. These two points may seem disconnected but are not. I love trees and care deeply for the environment, and the former is vital for the latter.
In a warming world, whilst we work on stabilising the environment long-term, we have to protect what we have now. Human health, mental and physical, is directly tied to the ecosystem. For the question of how, trees are the answer.
Cool as a Cucumber
Extreme and sustained hotter weather poses a risk to human, animal and plant life. This is especially true in urban environments, where surface temperature in cities can reach up to 10-15°C hotter than surrounding rural areas. The phenomenon is known as an ‘urban heat island’, caused by rapid urbanisation, creating city-wide micro climates. And with temperatures rising, this increase is stark.
Trees can be used to dramatically reduce this issue, creating natural cool spaces. In London, tree coverage reduces ambient temperature by 2°C to 8°C. A study in 35 Chinese cities showed tree covered areas reduce surface temperatures by 2.23 °C on average compared to built up areas.
This is a clear measurable difference that can also be easily visualised. Heat maps of Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle and Bristol show definitive cooler spots in parks and wildlife areas. The conclusion to be drawn from such data is to prioritise this natural solution to a present and future issue.
And trees aren’t just cool, both literally and metaphorically, they can do much, much more.
Man’s Best Friend
Not to diminish the importance of dogs, who offer a lot, but man’s best friend is actually trees. Since first walking upright we have relied on them for fuel, shelter and sustenance. And it’s not just us.
Waterways hugely benefit from the planting of trees on their banks. Think about it as what a belt is to a pair of baggy jeans. Trees reduce soil erosion, land slipping and shelter for the water itself. Additionally fallen leaves help reduce the flow of surface water, which in turn, slows down flooding.
Coastal communities and geographical features also benefit from tree cover. The rise in sea levels and flooding are hitting these areas particularly hard. However, an increase in trees can intercept and stop up to 30% of rainfall ever hitting the ground. Tree planting initiatives in recent years have targeted areas such as Great Yarmouth, Brighton and Portsmouth. In 2022, Trees for Cities aimed to plant 55,000 trees in coastal towns and cities, in the hope of combating these issues.
And for us, wildlife areas are great for our mental health. Spending time in greenspaces can reduce stress and anger, improve your mood and help lower seasonal affective disorder. Increasing natural spaces for lower income families and thus improving mental health could save the NHS £635 million. When a person uses the term tree hugger, it seems they are actually identifying happier, healthier people.
If A Tree Falls…
I am our wooded guardians number 1 fan but it would be remiss of me to not acknowledge the flipside. Environmentally speaking, there are advantages to cutting down trees. Stick with me here whilst I write the word T-R-E-E a few more times.
Protecting tree health is a major reason for felling. The spread of pests and disease can decimate woodlands. Creating not only a large financial strain but also risking the ecosystem of said forest. By monitoring and early intervention, sick trees are removed to prevent further damage.
Some species benefit more from open habitats. This includes certain birds and insects. Felling trees to create these open spaces is important for balance. Sometimes cutting back is important for moving forward. Not everyone needs trees. A camel doesn’t need an oak and a deep sea anglerfish doesn’t need a chestnut. Not directly anyway.
But trees still hold a vital role in the proliferation of life. We do not have enough for a healthy thriving ecosystem. So, whilst striving for a better tomorrow, we must also concentrate on the reality of today. In the best interest of ourselves and the planet, change is needed. Planting more trees, with sustainability at the forefront. More funding for these projects will reap rewards later. Planting a tree in a garden we will all hopefully get to enjoy.
Be curious!
- Read more about urban trees in this article.
- Do not cry for a fallen tree, for there is still great value there.
- If you want to read about Britain’s rainforests, Our Oaken Bones is a great read.
- Wonder what you can do to help trees grow? Read this blog piece for more info.
