3 Main Reasons Why Older Trees Are The Best Ones To Remove

Trees are an essential part of our environment. They provide numerous benefits, such as improving air quality, reducing noise pollution, and creating habitats for wildlife. However, sometimes they need to be removed due to different reasons. In this blog, we will explore the main reasons why older trees are the best ones to cut down.

According to the American Hardwood Information Center, the older ones are often harvested for lumber, which can be used to make a variety of products that improve our daily lives. From furniture to decking, American hardwoods are a sustainable and versatile material that can be found in homes, offices, and public spaces across the country.

Why Older Trees Are The Best Ones To Remove: Reason # 1

As they age, their structural integrity decreases, making them more vulnerable to storm damage, pest infestations, and disease. This can lead to branches falling and the entire tree toppling over, which can cause property damage and even injury to people.

In addition, the older ones can also have a negative impact on infrastructure such as sidewalks, roads, and buildings. As they age, their root system grows, causing severe damage, such as lifting concrete sidewalks and damaging subway pipes. Removing older trees can prevent costly infrastructure repairs and improve public safety.

Why Older Trees Are The Best Ones To Remove: Reason # 2

Another reason why the older ones are the best to remove is that they can block sunlight from reaching other plants in the area. As trees grow older and taller, they can cast a large shadow, preventing sunlight from reaching other plants, including grass, shrubs, and other trees. This can lead to stunted growth or even the death of other plants.

Removing them can also create space for new growth and biodiversity. They can become overcrowded and prevent the development of surrounding species. Removing these species can create space for new trees and plants to grow, creating a healthier ecosystem.

At Brazilian Lumber, we follow an interesting procedure for our logging activity, which agrees precisely with the recommendation to choose old trees. This is our process:

1. A register of flora and fauna is kept, and each tree species is identified. 
2. Only 3 to 4 trees are selected per hectare.
3. The selection is made on mature trees that have completed their life cycle. 
4. We have a 100% chain of custody over our trees.

Why Older Trees Are The Best Ones To Remove: Reason # 3

The older ones are more susceptible to pest infestations and diseases, which can spread to others in the area. Removing them helps to preserve the overall health of the ecosystem.

According to Frank Lloyd Wright’s TED conference speech, trees play a crucial role in creating sustainable environments and improving the quality of life for people. He emphasized that planting trees is a long-term investment that benefits future generations. “Plant trees. They give us two of the most crucial elements for our survival: oxygen and books.”, Wright said. He also emphasized the importance of preserving old-growth forests, as they provide habitat for countless species and protect biodiversity.

It’s important to emphasize that once a tree is removed, space is left for natural regeneration, which also contributes to the protection of biodiversity. In addition, dying trees release carbon, the opposite of what we need for our atmosphere. That is why in the timber industry, the candidates for logging are mature that have completed their useful life cycle. 

Besides this statement, if we relate the removal of the older ones to the wood industry, we get an extra benefit associated with well-being. Multiple researchers have recently discovered that a proper environment provides physical and psychological benefits.

This is called Biophilic Design. This concept is based on the idea that environmental structures significantly impact human well-being. Therefore, learning about the wonders of being surrounded by lumber is very useful.

A study from the University of British Columbia indicates that having wooden elements and plants as part of the office or home environment provides stress-reducing effects. Research also shows that lumber improves attention & cognitive function, increases creativity, and reduces pain perception.

In addition, wooden structures or accents can prevent mental or physical deterioration in older adults. Some investigations from different universities establish that the physical environment impacts patient stress, staff efficiency, and quality of care in healthcare facilities. The material a room is made of, the decorative elements, and even the colors impact a patient’s recovery process. 

An excellent example of this theory is explained in a study by Roger Ulrich comparing the recovery of some patients after surgery. They all had the same surgery, but some were sent to a room with a brick view, while others were sent to a room with large windows from which they could see trees and nature. Of course, the second group recovered faster. 

To conclude, they play a crucial role in our lives, providing numerous benefits to the environment and the people around them. It is our responsibility to take care of them and preserve them as much as possible. 

However, when removing them is necessary, it is important to consider the tree’s age and its impact on the environment. Older trees are often the best to remove, as they are more decay-resistant. They can also block sunlight, cause damage to infrastructure, and become a breeding ground for pests and diseases.

So, before cutting down a tree, learn how to do it properly without compromising biodiversity.