Greenville Magazine - April 2008 - (Page 38) Q&a Talkin’ Trees Q a What is the basic function of a tree? A tree’s general function is photosynthesis, the conversion of light energy into chemical energy by living organisms. This process easily can be described as the most important life process, as nearly all life depends on it. Trees can filter out many pollutants before they contaminate water supplies and create wildlife habitats. Tree canopies naturally slow the force of heavy rainfall, allowing the ground adequate time to absorb moisture. a Q a How do trees affect energy conservation? Trees provide shade that cools temperatures as much as 5°F. Strategically placing three trees around homes can reduce air conditioning costs by 50 percent. By blocking wind and intercepting radiant heat, trees can cut summer energy rates by 20 percent and winter rates by 30 percent. Trees annually save millions of dollars in energy costs. Urban trees are selected based on height requirements and canopy. Trees that extensively spread out or grow tall can cause a myriad of problems by inhibiting accessibility to city streets and disrupting power lines. Crepe myrtles, dogwoods, ironwoods and yellowwoods are suitable for urban settings. Outside city limits, more expansive trees, like oaks, maples and others, are ideal. It is important to select trees hearty enough to withstand winter ice storms and tolerate summer droughts. What is a certified forest and how does it protect trees? Q a Q a How do trees affect morale and attitude? Nature promotes healing, and studies have found that persons residing in greener areas lead happier lives. When compared to “concrete jungles,” tree-lined residential units saw more citizens communicating with one another, reducing the need for police intervention in the area. Q a How do trees affect air quality? Excessive amounts of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are directly linked to climate change. Rising air temperature is the catalyst for chemical reactions that occur to produce ozone and smog. Adequate tree canopy reduces the production of greenhouse gases by providing shade to lower air temperatures as well as absorbing pollutants. One acre of trees produces enough oxygen for 18 people to breathe each day and eliminates as much carbon dioxide as what is produced by driving a car 26,000 miles. Forest certification protects forests from destruction by logging practices. Certification is granted to wood or paper products coming from forests managed by stringent environmental standards. Consumer demand for certified products creates a ripple effect throughout industry channels and prompts forest managers to adopt ecological practices which eliminate destructive logging techniques and maintain natural forest characteristics. Q a How long will it take a tree planted today to reach maturity? There is no accurate way to determine this information as variable factors such as species and climate determine rates of maturity. “Trees have different life cycles and growth rates are dependent upon conditions. A tree planted today will show remarkable growth in five years and will be very impressive within a 15-year period. Some of the largest trees in Greenville are hundreds of years old,” Teachey says. Q a Are there any trees of interest in Greenville? The South Carolina Champion Tree project is a cooperative program between the South Carolina Forestry Commission and the Clemson University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources that recognizes the largest trees statewide. Most Champions are between 300 and 3,500 years old and are awarded points based on height, crown spread and circumference. Greenville County has 26 Champion Trees currently registered. The largest is a swamp white oak more than 114 feet tall with a 122-foot spread. GM More information on Champion Trees in Greenville County can be found at www.clemson.edu/champtree. Q a How do trees affect storm water runoff and control erosion? The clearing of trees through development has crippled the land’s ability to efficiently deal with rainfall and excess water. Trees are essential for soil stability, maintaining topsoil levels and preventing erosion. Q How do urban trees differ from suburban trees? Naturally Powered C l e a n E n e rg y S o l u t i o n s Every person leaves behind more than just their legacy and memories. The carbon dioxide emitted from various activities leaves behind a carbon footprint on the Earth. Collectively, we can have devastating effects on our planet and its ecology. This is where Sunstore Solar can help. By installing a solar hot water system, you can reduce CO2 emissions by 6,200 pounds annually. For each 1KW of PV you install, there is a lifetime benefit of taking six cars off the road for a full year. Together, we can do the right thing. This should be the only footprint you leave behind. 38 Greenville MaGazine | april 2008 http://www.clemson.edu/champtree http://sunstoresolar.com http://sunstoresolar.com http://sunstoresolar.com
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