Aidan Stewart
On a bike ride through Lexington, VA over the weekend, my group passed through a historic cemetery on the way back to our vehicles. At the entrance to the cemetery was a sign that read: “DANGER- Mature trees may drop limbs without warning. USE CAUTION when under trees”. As an arborist, I found this sort of signage very exciting, as I’m obviously a proponent for tree preservation. Finding a balance between the benefits that trees provide and their inherent risks to humans is what motivates me in this career.
Trees do much more than casting shade. They provide important ecosystems for wildlife, and many mature trees have been witnesses to history. As urban development continues to, well, develop, holding onto the trees that have withstood the test of time is crucial.
It should come as no surprise that trees are often the habitat for a variety of birds, insects, mammals, etc. Their root structures also help support underground networks of important fungi and microorganisms. As trees age, cavities and decay can form, which continue to add habitat and beneficial material back into the environment.
As is the case with the cemetery I passed through, trees add important aesthetic, cultural, and historical value. Many historic cemeteries in Virginia are some of the best places to see mature trees, as they’re often preserved due to their importance to the cemetery’s history. The same can be seen at battlefields, historic homes, etc.
Obviously the preservation of trees eventually reaches a crossroads where the risk of leaving a tree alone outweighs the benefits it provides. If a mature tree declines in the forest, it can be left alone. If that same tree declines in a historic garden, the risk it poses to people and the surrounding area can ultimately lead to a tree needing to be removed. This is where the expertise of a certified arborist is crucial, through regular inspections.
Replacing trees is important, but no sapling can immediately replicate the ecological and social functions of a mature tree. Therefore, maintaining older trees should be prioritized alongside new plantings.
In preserving older trees, we invest in healthier environments, resilient ecosystems, and stronger communities. Their continued presence is a legacy we owe to both future generations and the planet.
