How a tree grows 

Like all plants, trees make the materials for growth in their leaves by a process known as photosynthesis, deriving their energy from sunlight.

It is a complex chemical reaction, in which carbon dioxide from the air combines with water from the ground, to form sugars. The reaction takes place in the presence of chlorophyll, the green substance which gives leaves their characteristic colour. Carbon dixoide passes directly into a leaf through tiny openings called stomata, but the water has a long journey from the ground to the chemical factory in the leaf. The sap then flows through the xylem, or sapwood, to the crown of the tree.

 But wood has other important functions in addition to the conduction of sap. It provides mechanical strength to support the weight of the crown of the tree, and stores food created by the leaves. Food is moved in solution from the leaves to all parts of the tree through the inner bark, or phloem, and is used either immediately or after a period of storage, for generation of new growth.

Far too many of us take trees for granted, seeing them as only decorative, or oversize plants, that have an annoying habit of dropping leaves before winter. What people fail to appreciate is the vital part trees play in our everyday life.

As we learnt from the above paragraphs; a tree has the ability to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2), the element responsible for global warming, that threatens climates the world over and our very existence. Not only does a tree absorb carbon, but stores it safely. The older and larger the tree, the more it will have stored, and in its time the greater the volume of the element we cannot exist without – oxygen. Trees are the lungs of the world. It is no coincidence that our lungs are the same shape as a tree. It is worth noting we cannot see, taste or smell carbon or oxygen that envelop us. I am sure if we could, attitudes towards what is taking place would change dramtically. We would give thanks for the oxygen and be far more aware of the danger of carbon dioxide and the harm it does. I am afraid it is with most people a case of out of sight, out of mind.

Here on our estate the original architects were forward in their thinking and planning; being aware, even then in the late sixties of the dangers of living in an area, that suffered from the presence of heavy traffic and its polluting effect. So they planned accordingly, planting broadleafed trees which would grow into large, long-lasting ones that could absorb great volumes or carbon and give out huge amounts of oxygen.

There is no greater gift we can give our children than to reduce the amount of carbon we allow them to breath and increase the oxygen we provide for them. For 34 years the estate witnessed these beautiful trees mature into magnificent specimens, bringing not only beauty, their life-sustaining atmosphere and shade, but the unique ability to purify the carbon-saturated air imposed on those who live in the area.

Just six years ago, this estate was richly endowed with many healthy mature trees: beech, plane, field maple, sycamore, lime, alder, willow and many more species. Unfortunately, in the last six years, actions of the Housing Management has resulted in the loss of many mature trees - most with little consideration for their worth or benefit to the health and welfare of residents.

To hear senior management recite their policy of not cutting back or cutting down trees, unless they are a health and safety risk, would bring tears to a snowman. In reality though many have been cut down with feeble excuses given as reasons.

Over the past six years, the estate has lost 39 trees, only three have died from natural causes. The other policy of the council, that for each tree removed, two would replace it, until just recently had never happened, not on this estate anyway. The exception was on the Ely Court site where trees removed would be replaced. This has been carried out but only one is a true broadleafed species: the other six are all birch which lack the ability of the original trees, to deal with CO2 or to provide the same amount of oxygen.

The loss of a mature broadleaved tree such as those whe have lost creates a huge carbon footprint. The estate has lost around 39 trees over the last six years: few by natural causes and most with pathetic excuse for their destruction. The problem lies in the lack of understanding by those who have control of their fate, who have other priorities, such as financial considerations. Coupled with the lack of awareness of their true importance in our everyday life, they are seen as expendable. The problem lies in the lack of understanding of the role trees play in our lives. At best they are seen by many as merely decorative objects, at worse, as an inconvenience and an unecessary cost to maintain. As I recall, of all the committees I have served on, I have not once seen trees as an agenda item.

John Higson