Functional Uses of Trees

Trees serve three broad functions in the landscape, design, environmental and engineering.

From a design perspective trees :

- Define spaces, marking boundaries between fields, parks or gardens,

- Provide enclosure, privacy, camouflage and direction,

- Form linkages between one building and another. Avenue planting links an entrance with a large building or in a town or city creates a network of tree lined streets.

From an environmental perspective trees :

- Improve air quality

- Provide shade and shelter

- Reduce noise levels

- Contribute to habitat creation

From an engineering perspective trees

- The roots of trees assist in the stabilisation of soil

- Leaves and branches in the tree canopy prevent soil moisture loss and soil erosion.