On a hot summer day, a mature silver maple can lose up to 58 gallons of water per hour. Without this water movement, trees and shrubs could not move nutrients to the leaves or carry on other vital physiological processes. An adequate supply of water is essential to manage plant health. The plant must also be able to distribute the water to all living parts. Many of the problems discussed in this publication are related to disruption in the flow of water into or within the plant.
Tree roots hold soil in place and increase water infiltration.
Trees create organic matter on the soil surface from their leaf litter. Their roots increase soil permeability. Reduced soil erosion and sedimentation of streams. Increased ground water recharge that is significantly reduced by paving. Lesser amounts of chemicals transported to streams.