NorthWest Carrollton has worked with Hike for KaTREEna to plant trees in our small neighborhood. I've been asked of all the things that the neighborhood could focus on: "Why trees?"
On 7 Dec2012 - Science Magazine published a report on "Large Old Trees" that answered the questions
Large old trees "are keystone structures in forests, woodlands, savannas, agricultural landscapes, and urban areas, playing unique ecological roles not provided by younger, smaller trees. However, populations of large old trees are rapidly declining in many parts of the world, with serious implications for ecosystem integrity and biodiversity."
"Large old trees also store large quantities of carbon, create distinct microenvironments characterized by high levels of soil nutrients and plant species richness, play crucial roles in local hydrological regimes...."
Hydorlogical regimes... for urban areas mean that they help with rain water absorbtion and flood control.
"The loss of large old trees is a recognized concern in many ecosystems worldwide."
And this is why we lobby to have any old oak along Carrollon Ave replaced with a new oak.
And why we encourage our neighbors to plant the largest tree thay can in the area available. For many this is not a tree that will grow into a "large tree" but one that is smaller, a crepe myrtle, a citrus, a red bud. But when ever possible we plant trees that will grow large because the benefits for the neighborhood and the global climate is worth it.
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