Trees on Baraboo's
Courthouse Square
Common names, scientific names and Ho-Chunk names
Land Acknowledgement: We begin with an acknowledgment that the land we live, work, learn, and commune on is the original homelands of the Ho-Chunk People. We recognize and respect how this territory is viewed by many diverse Indigenous peoples who are still connected to it.
This guide has been developed by Master Naturalist Steve Ruffalo to improve our recognition and understanding of the trees around us every day. Additionally, it includes suggestions on tree species to plant in hopes of expanding on the urban forest of Baraboo.
Ten reasons why we should plant trees and work to improve the tree canopy cover of
our Community:
1. Trees conserve energy; properly placed trees can reduce summer cooling needs by over 50%.
2. Trees help capture rainwater; a tree’s canopy increases the surface area where stormwater falls, decreasing the amount of runoff from reaching the ground.
3. Trees provide oxygen; through the process of photosynthesis, an acre of mature trees can provide enough oxygen for 18 people.
4. Trees clean the air; trees absorb airborne pollutants and odors and filter fine particles from the air.
5. Trees beautify the space; trees can block views of parking lots and other unsightly urban views, muffle sounds from roadways and create more aesthetically pleasing views.
6. Trees prevent erosion and help prevent water pollution; tree roots hold soil in place, coupled with proper mulching, trees are sponges that capture rain runoff holding water in place and the pollutants it can carry.
7. Trees heal; research has shown that patients who can view trees from their windows heal faster. Additional studies have shown the benefit of trees in reducing ADHD symptoms, while other studies have shown the positives of tree exposure on improving concentration and reducing mental fatigue.
8. Trees provide habitat for wildlife; trees provide homes for a wide variety of birds, insects, mammals, and reptiles.
9. Trees cool cities; through several processes; shading, breaking up “heat islands”, and releasing water vapor through transpiration, studies have shown that urban areas can be cooled by up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
10. Trees combat climate change; a key cause of climate change is the increasing levels of CO2 in the atmosphere. Trees take in CO2 through the process of photosynthesis, removing and storing the CO2 in the tree itself.