Trees are essential to our quality of life. Forests counter the effects of climate change, clean the air we breathe, and filter the water we drink.
A group of Union County residents have established a non-profit called TreesUnion which is dedicated to preserving and growing the county’s tree canopy and educating the public on the best practices for healthy trees.
“Volcano mulching” is a perfect example of what NOT to do around a tree. Mulch should be spread evenly around the tree base, and no more than about two inches deep. Piling large amounts of mulch around the base of a tree in a cone shape can deprive the root system of oxygen. Check this video for more information. Union County Urban Forester Keith O’Herrin, an advisor to the group, explains that mulching improperly around a tree stresses the tree and can ultimately damage it. “The lower part of the trunk is smothered in mulch and that can stress a tree and actually slow its growth,” O’Herrin said. “It also exposes them to more insects and disease.”
A major part of TreesUnion’s goal is to educate the public on the importance of forests to our quality of life. O’Herrin said trees can positively affect property values, save money on cooling costs, reduce localized flooding, improve human health through mitigating air pollution such as vehicle exhaust, improve health through encouraging physical activity (shade for walkability), and improve mental health through stress reduction.
TreesUnion is still in the early stages of organizing. At its May 21st meeting, the group chose a board of directors, ratified its by-laws, and approved two working committees: the Marketing Committee and the Tree Planting Committee. The next step is to complete the process of attaining its formal non-profit tax status.
Voted the chairwoman of the board of directors, Meredith Marr commented on the importance of trees on our quality of life. “Union County and Charlotte have been experiencing rapid population growth. As we accommodate that growth, we need to keep in mind how much trees contribute to the public’s quality of life and begin work to increase our tree canopy,” she said. “Trees provide invaluable environmental, social and physical benefits that enhance our quality of life and ensure our long-term prosperity.”
The group has been modeled after TreesCharlotte, who has successfully raised Charlotte’s tree canopy to 47 percent. In other words, 47 percent of Charlotte’s land areas are covered with urban tree canopy (UTC). Their hard work and dedication has helped Charlotte to become known as “The City of Trees.” Currently they’re working on having a 50 percent tree canopy.
TreesUnion organizers say the first step for Union County is to raise public awareness about the benefit of trees and start planting more trees wherever possible. “People moving to this area often cite being close to natural beauty as one of the reasons they chose the Charlotte area as their home,” Marr said.
Tree-planting events will be part of TreesUnion future activities. The first is slated for this fall. There will also be educational opportunities for the public to learn more about forestry and proper ways to plant and care for trees. “I hope TreesUnion can motivate and empower residents across the county to plant new trees, take care of existing trees, or participate however they are able to enhance our urban forest canopy because our quality of life depends on it,” O’Herrin said.
For more information about TreesUnion, visit its soon-to-be-completed website and its Facebook page.