The first European settlers brought with them a great many things to make their new country feel more like home. One of those familiar comforts was great, big European trees, like horse chestnuts, Norway maples, European white birches, and Scotch pines. And it is not just the early settlers that introduced invasive trees into Canada, people continue to do so to this day. Unfortunately, many of these non-native plants have had a negative effect on our ecosystem and tree removal service has become a priority. What 100 trees or more can do in their natural lifespan Trees are essential to our environment and survival, providing shade, shelter, and homes for a wide variety of birds and animals. Trees also clean our air and help to reduce respiratory diseases. One hundred trees can remove approximately five tons of carbon dioxide and 1000 pounds of pollutants from the environment during their lifespan, including 400 pounds of ozone and 300 pounds of particulates. Trees in urban areas play a significant role in reducing the ambient temperature of their surroundings, bringing the heat down by between five and eight degrees. Trees also trap large amounts of water in their leaves, trunks, and branches and after large storms, 1000 trees can reduce run-off by one million gallons. But it is important to ensure that the trees we plant, and nurture are native to Canada and enhance our ecosystem.What is the definition of an invasive tree? Invasive trees also referred to as non-native trees, are species that have been introduced, mostly by people, to an area where they are not naturally found. Non-native species that are able to adapt well and survive and thrive in new countries are often fast growing, have high reproductive rates, no natural predators and inhibit the growth of the surrounding native species.Why are invasive trees so bad?Many invasive tree species are beautiful, they grow quickly and provide lovely shade in summer and magnificent displays of colour in the fall. So, what is the problem with planting a few of them in your garden? Invasive trees can spread quickly, depriving slow-growing native trees of valuable resources and destroying the natural habitat of many animals, birds, insects, and indigenous plant species. The invasive species will also introduce new pests, diseases, parasites, and bacteria that the indigenous trees and animals have no natural defences against, further hastening the decline of our forests and threatening our environment. Eventually, the invasive trees will take over the entire area and alter our fragile ecosystem, having a significant impact on water quality and food production.Eradicating invasive trees is costly and time-consuming. Billions of dollars are spent every year on tree removal and elimination of invasive trees and other plant species worldwide. That is a significant amount of money that could be better spent elsewhere.It is important to recognize and understand that invasive trees have a huge impact on the environment, destroying sensitive and vulnerable ecosystems and leading to the extinction of many animals, birds, and insects. No matter how beautiful, hardy or convenient these trees are they should not be left to grow unchecked in Canada and need to be removed as soon as possible. If you suspect that you have any invasive trees on your property or are unsure of the origin of the trees in your garden, it is time to call in a professional tree removal service. Martin’s Tree Service can help you identify and remove any invasive trees from our property. Steve Martin I have a profound interest in trees and their natural beauty. I grew up on a hobby farm ten minutes north of Waterloo and spent many winters in the bush collecting firewood to heat our family home. It was definitely work, so I wasn’t always eager as a young boy to help my father and big brother, but I learned to love the process... READ MORE