Some Fun Facts About Arboriculture

Arboriculture is a science or a practice of studying, establishing, and managing individual trees, shrubs, and other perennial woody plants.

16:33 19 April 2020

The general aim of arboriculture is to cultivate trees for amenity reasons. Arborists recognize these trees as a source of beauty to homes and gardens. The difference between arboriculture and forestry is that arboriculture is concerned with cultivating trees and shrubs to enhance the pleasantness and desirability of a garden. On the other hand, forestry, also known as silviculture, is an art of establishing and managing trees mainly for the production of timber. 

It is also essential to recognize that both arboriculture and forestry share certain similarities. Both disciplines require specific sets of scientific skills to establish. In addition to this, the two are equally important and there is a need for advocating the importance of planting trees and taking care of the already existing ones. That is why there is a need for professional arborists, especially in urban areas where trees can pose some dangers to people or vehicles passing by. The people behind Maple Leaf recognize these threats and have made the jobs of arborists not only easier, but safer as well by providing them with quality gear that allows them to work more efficiently in an urban community. They believe that there is absolutely no need to cut down a tree way ahead of its time, and that maintenance will be more beneficial not only to the tree but to the community as well. 

Below are some fun facts about arboriculture:

1. There Are More Tree Species Than There Are Tribes Of The World

Surprisingly, it was until 2007 when a world census for trees took place. Yes, trees get counted too! This is to ascertain the tree species that are either near extinction or are already extinct. The research conducted back then revealed that there were more than 600,000 tree species on the face of the earth. The data was compiled both from the field, botanical centers, agricultural centers, and museums. Some tree species have played a crucial role in human development both economically and culturally. Economically in the sense that certain tree species will specifically be used for the production of high-quality timber, ropes, paper, and rubber. You'll bear witness that man can not do without paper and rubber. The databases of ancient trees such as the Old list dates certain species of trees at White Mountains of California as over 4,800 years old! 

2. Can Trees Really Communicate With Each Other?

The ability to signal each other when there is an attack coming either from insects or from the changes in the environment has for the longest time baffled scientists globally. Trees will use the networks they share when drawing nutrients from the ground to send distress signals about eminent insect attacks, diseases, and drought. When various trees receive these signals, they'll change their behaviors including folding their leaves or shedding them. Arborists and other scientists have established that trees can defend themselves against insect attacks. This, they can do by folding their leaves or by shedding them.

3. Certain Species Of Trees Have Gender 

Like human beings and other living organisms, there is a need for reproduction. Some trees, such as pine reproduce sexually. The male pine cone secretes pollen grains and sheds on the female pine cones for pollination. The female pine cones then make seeds which will then, on the ground, germinate and grow into adorable pine “babies”!

4. Planting Of Trees and Shrubs Drastically Reduces The Cost Of Energy 

When you start smart landscaping, you save energy costs. Having trees and shrubs on your property can save you up to 25% of your energy bills. When trees are strategically positioned, they'll provide your home with natural air conditioning thus slashing those air conditioning bills by nearly half and in addition to this, they'll block the winter draft so you don't have to keep your heaters running. In a way, trees care about your economic well being and it's time you gave back by protecting them! 

5. Trees And Shrubs Offer Excellent Protection And Add Value To A Property

They’ll provide vegetative cover to your property, protecting it from soil erosion, and provide food to insects that would otherwise become a menace in your household. The proper selection, cultivation, and maintenance of trees and shrubs can help to increase the value of your property. They provide shade to your land by preventing excessive heating by the sun’s radiation. 

6. Trees Can Be Used as a Compass

In the northern hemisphere, the moss plant grows in the temperate climates on the north side of tree trunks. This is the side associated with more shade. You can follow the direction using the shadows to find your way. This is an old wisdom that has been passed from one generation to the other. If your compass is stuck, don't worry, stay calm, and follow the moss!

Aren't these facts amazing! You probably didn't know that trees actually cared about your well being, right? For centuries, trees have existed peacefully with mankind but unfortunately, man is almost driving some tree species into extinction. This means that there is a great need to plant more trees and take care of the already existing ones. This will help restore a harmonious balance.