Trees, key players in ecosystems
Trees occupy a vital place in nature, contributing to the maintenance of healthy ecosystems and fulfilling various fundamental ecosystem functions. The ancient and remarkable trees in the Vullierens gardens are home to numerous species, each playing an essential role in maintaining the biodiversity present in this area. By fostering a rich arboreal ecosystem, these trees contribute to the protection and conservation of the estate’s wildlife.
Remarkable trees are exceptional due to their age, size, botanical interest, or their landscape, historical, or cultural value. They are an integral part of the natural and landscape heritage.
Trees preserve our oxygen.
To nourish itself and grow, a tree absorbs carbon dioxide through its leaves and bark, sunlight through its leaves, and water through its roots. It then uses these three elements in the process of photosynthesis, which allows it to produce sap and oxygen, which it releases into the atmosphere. The tree thus provides us with one of the most essential things for our survival: oxygen. The diversity of plants and trees found in the Vullierens gardens contributes to the preservation of oxygen, a vital element for our survival.
Trees and climate regulation
Current climate change is caused by the accumulation of greenhouse gases (primarily CO2) in the atmosphere.
Trees play a crucial role in the fight against climate change. Indeed, thanks to their tissues, particularly the trunk, branches, and leaves, trees perform photosynthesis, a key process that reduces carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere.
The influence of trees on the climate is not limited to CO2 absorption. They also play a role in regulating the exchange of energy and water between the soil and the air, which can have a significant impact on the local climate. This happens because trees change three important things: albedo (the amount of sunlight reflected), evapotranspiration (the way water moves from the soil to the air), and the roughness of the ground surface.
Trees play an essential role in climate regulation by mitigating the effects of the sun, rain, and wind. Their leaves absorb and filter solar energy, helping to keep things cool in the summer. Trees also conserve heat by acting as a natural barrier against strong winds. The trees and biodiversity at the Château de Vullierens also contribute to the fight against climate change.
Trees, guardians of water
Trees play a vital role in conserving water, an element essential to life. When rain falls, some of it is intercepted by the leaves, while the rest flows to the ground, purifying and filtering the water before it reaches the groundwater.
In addition, through a process called evapotranspiration, trees contribute to cloud formation, creating what are known as “atmospheric rivers.” These currents of moisture in the air can carry more water than the largest rivers on Earth, such as the Amazon, according to Scientific American.
A sanctuary for animal biodiversity
Trees play a vital role as habitats for animal biodiversity. They offer numerous spaces suitable for animals to hide, nest, rest, and protect themselves from the elements thanks to their branches, leaves, and cavities. Furthermore, trees are an essential source of food for many species. Their fruits, seeds, leaves, and bark represent indispensable nutritional resources for forest wildlife. The plant diversity, the tree ecosystem, and the wildlife of the Vullierens estate thus contribute to the richness of the local fauna in the canton of Vaud and to the protection of biodiversity.
In conclusion, trees are essential for the survival of our planet, regulating the climate, conserving water, and supporting biodiversity. Their role as guardians of ecosystems and producers of oxygen is crucial for a sustainable future.