The Magic of Trees
From tall, majestic hardwoods to saplings still stretching their branches to the sky, trees support and enhance the world around us. Here are a few ways trees benefit humans, birds and pollinators throughout the year.
In Spring
- Coniferous trees like red cedar create shelter for our early nesters like robins, while birds like the blue-grey gnatcatcher take advantage of cover created by emerging oak leaves.
- Trees like serviceberry and redbuds’ early spring blooms provide healthy food for hungry bumble bees.
- Trees slow down and soak up spring rains, pulling water deep into the soil and away from our drains.
In Summer
- Trees supply food for birds to feed their fledglings, and a safe place for them to molt into their fall feathers.
- Trees help ensure the next generation of some of our favourite winged insects, as many butterflies spend the summer searching for the perfect tree to lay their eggs on.
- Trees keep us cool, reducing the need for air conditioning and allowing us to spend more time outside in the shade.
In Fall
- Trees’ berries and seeds supply migrating birds with important nutrients as they make their way back to their winter homes.
- Trees act as a safe place for migrating monarchs to cluster and keep warm during cool nights.
- Trees’ brilliant fall colours give us even more reason to head outside for a walk, improving our health and wellbeing.
In Winter:
- Coniferous trees provide shelter for the many birds that spend their winters with us.
- Trees’ fallen leaves act as a warm blanket for pollinators sleeping through our cold, dark winters.
- Trees create a wind block, keeping us and our homes warm.