Growing Our Future
The Western Red Cedar - A Tree To Admire
As I hiked through the emerging, spring forests surrounding Victoria last weekend, I couldn't help but stop and admire a western red cedar (Thuja plicata). Its reddish-brown bark and flat, scale-like leaves (yes, they are leaves) never cease to fascinate me. I love running my fingers over the fibrous bark and squishing the leaves between my fingers to catch a whiff of its sweet, pineapple aroma. Cedars are more than just food for silver-spotted tiger moth caterpillars (Lophocampa argentata), they have been an integral part of the Pacific Northwest landscape since time immemorial, providing for the needs of coastal First Nations peoples in innumerable ways earning them the moniker "tree of life".
The leaves of the Western Red Cedar are specially adapted to prevent nutrient loss in the wet Pacific Northwest climate. Unlike deciduous trees that shed their leaves annually, the western red cedar retains its evergreen foliage for several years. This allows it to efficiently recycle nitrogen and other essential nutrients within the leaves, rather than having to extract large amounts from the nutrient-poor coastal soils each spring. When the Cedar's leaves do eventually fall, they decompose slowly, steadily releasing nutrients back into the soil. The leaves small, flat shape and waxy coating also make them more resistant to damage from heavy rain and wind compared to broad leaves. By keeping its nutrient-rich foliage on the tree for multiple seasons, the Western Red Cedar can continue photosynthesizing and producing sugars even in late Autumn and early Spring when deciduous trees are dormant. This adaptability helps the Cedar thrive in the rainy, temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest where nitrogen and other nutrients might otherwise be washed away. The Cedar's ability to conserve and recycle nutrients is a key reason it can grow in harsh coastal environments.
But trees like the red cedar don't just boggle the mind and benefit the environment - they also have a profound impact on the social fabric of our communities. Studies show that residents of areas with good tree cover experience a greater sense of safety and are more likely to use outdoor spaces for recreation and socializing. Trees create a calming, restorative environment that reduces stress and improves mental health. By promoting social interaction and a shared sense of community pride, urban forests help build stronger, more cohesive neighbourhoods. Interestingly, research has also linked the presence of trees to lower crime rates, since well-maintained green spaces discourage criminal activity.
The economic value of trees is equally impressive. By increasing property values by 6-20% and reducing energy costs for heating and cooling, trees provide a significant return on investment for cities and homeowners alike. Of course, trees also generate revenue through timber, paper, fruits, nuts, and other valuable products. And in a city like ours, it's hard to not forget the tourism dollars that parks and scenic landscapes attract.
In light of the countless benefits trees provide, I'm proud to announce that EnviRemoval will be donating $5 to Tree Canada for every junk removal project we undertake. This means that for every truckload of unwanted items we haul away, a new tree will be planted to help offset our environmental impact and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future not only for Victoria, but for the rest of Canada as well. Join me in celebrating the wonders of the Western Red Cedar and all trees by choosing EnviRemoval for your junk removal needs. Together, we can root for a healthier, happier, and more prosperous community.
