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