Living Legends: Exploring the Richness and Significance of Mature Trees

31/05/2023

SO, YOU are considering revamping your garden and thinking it could use a tree or several. As you look around, you are conflicted about buying a sapling or a mature tree. There are a lot of opinions and information about the topic, and you will find it hard to decide on what to choose. 

The good thing about planting mature trees is that it gives your garden an air of instant maturity. As you plan to plant these trees, it is worth noting that the practice has been around for many centuries. 

In 1470 BC, Pharaoh Hatshepsut sent her ships to bring mature trees from the North East African Coast to her temple at Deir el-Bahari. These trees survived as they were transported with intact root balls and were watered until they were firmly established and growing once again. 

Today, attentive aftercare and minimum root disturbance are still critical to the success of planting mature trees. These trees can improve your lifestyle and home while combating environmental changes. So, if you want a mature tree in your garden, this piece will unpack its richness and significance. 

What Is a Mature Tree?


As you look for mature trees, you must understand what the term means. But the challenge here is that no specific explanation of the meaning exists. The answer you get usually depends on who you ask. A forester will have a different meaning from a botanist, and you will have a different meaning from a nursery worker. Some of the definitions that you might come across include:

A tree that has achieved a desired age or size for its intended use.

One that is complete in growth or natural development.

Spreading its crown but already the full height.

A well-developed canopy.

Size at ten years.

It is worth noting that there are conflicts around these definitions. This is true especially when you consider that certain evergreens or trees live well above 100 years old yet reach complete development and bear fruit in 10 years or less. 

They continue to grow taller and broader even after maturing. Also, a well-developed canopy will occur in less than ten years, depending on the growth rate. 

The middle of the life expectancy could be about 50 years or more, and the plant will keep growing slowly. By the time a tree reaches 100 years, the full height will be substantially larger than ten years of growth. 

What Is the Significance of Mature Trees?

Having mature trees might be better for your compound than waiting for young trees to grow to complete development. Moreover, if you are thinking, “which are the best mature trees for sale near me,” pick trees from reputed suppliers like New Wood Trees. You will reap great returns without much pruning and upkeep. This is a total contrast to young trees, which need a considerable pruning amount and training, yet they do not benefit you or your neighborhood as much. 

Here are some of the benefits you can derive from mature trees:

1. Home Value Appreciation

Mature trees will add value to your home by improving the beauty of your yard. These trees can enhance the value of your property by about 7%. 

The National Arbor Day Foundation estimates 83% of realtors believe that large trees have a bigger impact on the value of your home than younger trees. If you seek to sell your house in a few years, buying a young tree will be unwise as it will take time to reach maturity to provide maximum value to your home. 

2. Energy Cost Savings

One of the features of large trees is the sufficient shade they provide. This shade can prove to be crucial when it comes to energy saving. Since the trees block the wind and sunlight, they keep your home cool in the summer and warm during winter. Consequently, you use less of your heater and air conditioner. 

When properly placed, a tree with a large stature can provide enough shade to lower energy spending by significant amounts. On the other hand, if you opt to plant a young shade tree, you will have to wait more than ten years before you can get the full benefits of energy saving. 

3. They Take in More Carbon than Young Trees

It was believed that mature trees took less carbon than young trees. This led to homeowners being advised to plant young trees to assist in the reduction of carbon footprint. 

However, in 2014, a study was conducted, and it showed that mature trees took in more carbon on a tree-by-tree basis. If your priority is to protect the environment by reducing your carbon footprint or you want to improve the air quality in your neighborhood, buying a mature tree is the best option. 

4. Better for Health

Studies indicate that trees assist people who struggle with stress and anxiety. More and more doctors and mental health professionals prescribe nature as a therapy for people coping with high-stress levels. Also, forest bathing has shown incredible amounts of health benefits. 

Exposure to mature trees helps boost your immune system, enhances your mood, and improves energy and sleep. Simply looking at trees reduces blood pressure and stress-related hormones. 

5. Curb Appeal

Homeowners desire curb appeal for their homes. And curb appeal is the perfect way to achieve curb appeal in front yard landscaping. A mature tree’s character, foliage, and size help create a focal point in your yard that makes a statement. 

They can also be an anchor for the design of the rest of your yard. You can start with several mature trees and establish layering planting throughout the design using your specimen trees as the starting point. 

6. Privacy

Mature trees are the way to go if you seek more privacy for your landscape. This is because most tree varieties tend to be thicker and have denser foliage when they mature. With young trees, you will have decades before you get canopies enough to provide you with complete privacy. 

Appreciating the Beauty and Wisdom of Mature Trees

Appreciating trees’ beauty in a world filled with concrete and technology is vital. Their calm presence is a respite from the chaos of today’s life, connecting you with the wonders of nature. 

From the vibrant colors to whistling sounds to the scent of blossoms, they will remind you of the cyclical nature of life during different seasons. This is in addition to the benefits above. 


Closure

Mature trees are living legends that embody the beauty and resilience of the world and nature. They contribute to the health of ecosystems and inspire with their grandeur. 

Understanding their significance and adding them to your living environment will enrich your life with its many benefits. So, embrace the legacy of mature trees and cherish their existence as vital components of the world.



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