Trees are one of, if not the most, important elements of our environment. They are so important that the world reserves a special day annually — Arbor Day – dedicated to planting and caring for trees. Celebrated globally, Arbor Day serves as a reminder of the importance of trees to the environment and our well-being.
Because of the significant role that trees play, tree care and arborism have grown in demand over the last several years and the industry is in a healthy place – but there has been increased attention on the industry’s impact on sustainability.
We know trees are critical in fighting climate change. Trees also emit oxygen that we breathe while absorbing carbon dioxide, but deforestation has had a profound impact on climate change.
Tree care businesses are seeing numerous benefits from implementing sustainable practices, both in terms of environmental impact and their companies’ success. After all, with more than three trillion trees on Earth, we should be doing our part to ensure their health and longevity – with arborists leading the way.
The importance of tree care for sustainability
Oftentimes when you hear “tree care,” the mind goes to tree removal or pruning. But tree care has become so much more than that, with (as of 2022) more than 289,000 tree care professionals employed by at least 80,000 tree businesses in the United States.
Not only does that tell us the demand for tree care work, but also how crucial it is for all of these workers – and their employers – to be fully committed to sustainable practices.
Caring for trees protects our ecosystems, our homes and our communities against any number of environmental challenges; for example, trees help reduce stormwater runoff which fights against erosion and pollution of waterways. Trees support the health of wildlife and help in water conservation
The job of arborists is to keep healthy trees healthy and make sure that distressed trees can be removed and replaced in a sustainable way.
6 ways tree care professionals are adopting sustainable practices
Whether it’s disease, age, pests or drought, trees are subject to several factors that can limit their lifespan. When it comes to sustainability and protecting the environment, proactive arboriculture and tree care can spot problems before they become unfixable – and potentially give trees a longer life.
Arborists and tree care businesses have begun to look closely at eco-friendly adjustments to some of the most common practices they employ.. They’re also examining how to better preserve resources and reduce waste, while simultaneously bringing the general public into the conversation.
Here are a few ways that arborists are incorporating sustainable practices into the tree care business (and there are surely more to come in the years ahead).
1. Sustainable tree planting practices
Arborists are increasingly emphasizing site surveying and tree species when it comes to planting. Soil type, moisture levels, sun exposure, and available space are all considered when finding the right place to plant a tree—and from there, it’s about determining which species of tree is the best fit.
Trees can grow to different sizes and shapes and have different moisture and sun requirements, so this must also be evaluated before planting. These factors all contribute to trees that live longer, have a better environmental impact and are more sustainable.
2. Enhancement of urban ecosystems
Most major cities rely on a series of power grids to supply energy. In warmer months, particularly in recent years of record heat in many cities, these grids can become over-stressed and contribute to major problems.
Trees contribute to sustainable practices by providing shade for people and homes (which leads to a reduction in energy cost), stormwater filtration, and the release of water vapor and oxygen which alleviates stress on city streets.
3. Promotion of tree health and longevity
Trees that are sustainably sourced and planted are healthier and live longer. As such, their environmental benefits are available longer (which is a win-win for everyone). By selecting sites rich in nutrients and natural benefits for the tree, arborists protect the tree’s health; additionally, mulching around the base of new trees will also help to regulate moisture.
Arborists are constantly adapting as they integrate these sustainable practices, and as a result, we’re seeing healthier and more sustainable trees.
4. Resource conservation and waste reduction
When trees have to be removed, arborists are utilizing more sustainable disposal and recycling methods. Tree care businesses are developing plans for how to handle waste, including recycling trees for other purposes and compost.
When it comes to resources, many arborists and tree care businesses are taking a closer look at the equipment (and personnel) required for specific job sites. Oversized or ill-fit equipment can cause unnecessary damage to surrounding trees and the environment, so it’s key to understand what is needed for the job and how to protect the ecosystem around it.
5. Carbon control and improved air quality
Healthy trees – those that are planted with care and attention to detail, and maintained in a sustainable manner – can do many things for our environment. Trees are versatile, strong, and multitalented.
You’ve heard of photosynthesis, right? When trees go through photosynthesis, they’re actually helping us fight climate change; removing carbon dioxide from the air improves air quality while at the same time, trees are releasing new oxygen into the atmosphere. This makes the long-term care and sustainability of trees even more important.
6. Community engagement and enhancement
More so than ever, we are seeing arborists and businesses communicate with clients and those in their communities about how to safely and sustainably care for trees. The more we know, and the more our neighbors know, the better we can do together.
Insuring a more sustainable tree care industry
Not only are arborists and companies focused on practices that help trees and the surrounding environment, but those same practices are helping in terms of efficiency and resourcing for businesses.
For insurance coverage tailored to the unique risks of tree care professionals, TreePro is a specialized insurance offering designed explicitly for the tree care industry. TreePro is an industry-specific program that offers a comprehensive solution for tree service businesses of all sizes, ranging from smaller local companies to those with more regionalized operations.
Through an underwriting agreement with NIP Group and AXA XL, TreePro offers a comprehensive solution, including specialized coverages and a dedicated team of insurance experts with extensive industry experience. This insurance program provides a competitive advantage for brokers and businesses in the tree care industry, offering coverage for pruning and removal, utility line clearance, lawn care, installation, liability, property, workers’ compensation, inland marine, and more.
In this new era of sustainable tree care and landscaping, arborists will enjoy the security they need to focus on successfully growing and running their businesses – and to keep doing right by the environment.
Here are just a few benefits your clients will enjoy from TreePro’s coverage:
- A wide variety of covered tree care risks, including: pruning and removal, utility line clearance, lawn care and installation.
- A dedicated team of insurance experts with over 35 years of industry experience.
- Specialized coverages that are not available through traditional insurance providers.
- Insurance coverages tailored specifically to tree care workers and businesses, including liability, property, workers’ compensation, inland marine and more.
The TreePro insurance program provides brokers with a competitive advantage to both grow your portfolio and insure arborists throughout the country.
Final thoughts
Trees play a crucial role in creating a sustainable environment by absorbing carbon dioxide, providing oxygen, and supporting biodiversity. They help mitigate climate change, reduce air pollution, and prevent soil erosion.
As a result, protecting and maintaining trees is essential for the well-being of our planet. At NIP Group and AXA XL, we take pride in offering insurance programs specifically designed for professionals who are dedicated to preserving and caring for our trees. These programs are tailored to address the unique risks and challenges faced by arborists, tree surgeons, and other tree care specialists, enabling them to continue their vital work with confidence and security. By supporting those who protect our trees, we contribute to the larger goal of fostering a greener, more sustainable world for future generations.
