Trees in gardens mitigate far more than climate change effects

Flanders is among the most urbanized regions in Western Europe. The space occupied by buildings - called land take in the Flanders 2021 Spatial Report - amounts to over 453,000 hectares, or 33% of Flemish territory. 38% of that is occupied by houses and gardens. Recent research shows that there are nearly 2.5 million gardens, together accounting for over 150,000 hectares. More, therefore, than the forest area. Flemish gardens are large, on average ±685 m² (median: 400m²), especially compared to the 125m² in the Netherlands. 

Forests and trees can temper the impact of climate change because they sequester carbon in the wood and soil, and also absorb CO2 during the day for photosynthesis. As a result, they can grow, but also produce oxygen that we breathe. 

Trees also temper the sun's influence; they are living air conditioners. Because of their foliage, not only do they let less sun through, but the evaporation of water from the foliage also cools the air. Their size makes them an important design element. They add a third dimension to a plane, they add dynamism to that space through changes in the foliage, in their growth and development over the seasons. They allow perception and perception of the user and under those trees you can still do all kinds of things. "Trees make a place feel right, look better and feel better," a statement from the Tree Design & Action Group (2012) that I think is absolutely correct. 

Expanding forests or creating new ones is difficult. In a garden, there is no room for a forest, but there is room for trees! Moreover, garden owners benefit from planting trees because of a whole series of advantages (the so-called ecosystem services). But even though the average Flemish garden is large, there is usually no room for large (tall and wide) trees (as in forests). Because large trees can not only threaten the house, but also easily lead to neighbor quarrels. And we want to avoid that anyway. Trees that remain smaller than twelve feet, planted at a sufficient distance from the house (6-8 meters) and at a sufficient distance (3.5-4.5 meters) from the plot boundary so that the crown and roots are not with the neighbors, are the best guarantee of a lifetime of enjoyment. Because they fit into the available space, they also require less maintenance. And even for small gardens, you can still turn to small and/or columnar trees. More than eight million trees (≤ 12m) can easily be planted in Flemish gardens. 

In addition to space, soil is especially important for proper development. Most garden soils are not extreme, so a huge diversity of tree species - both exotic and native - can find a suitable place there. Plant material, including larger sizes, is readily available in a large number of nurseries and plant centers. A great diversity of species awaits. 

Need more info? "The right tree for every garden" (Hermy 2020) provides you with all the info, both on why trees grow and how to choose them. More than 570 species are covered.