Surprising, 13 Uses for Trees (Beyond Just Looking Pretty)

Some Magical Uses for Trees

"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now."

— But why? Let’s count the many ways trees quietly improve our lives in Glasgow and beyond.

1. Childhood Kingdoms (Treehouses 2.0)

You’ve seen the Tree House guy on TV. We are talking mansions in the sky. No longer just rickety plywood forts—modern treehouses are eco-retreats with solar panels and living roofs. From backyard fun to AirBnB havens, tree houses are a fun way to love your tree.

Pro tip: Hire an arborist to ensure your build doesn’t harm the tree!

2. Nature’s Gym

Climbing trees isn’t just for kids—it’s full-body fitness (grip strength, balance, core work). No membership required. Even the trunk can be used to press again, stretch on and put those elestic bands round for the essential body weight exercises.

3. Living Light Sculptures

nspired by Kelvingrove’s winter lights, try solar-powered fairy lights woven through branches for magical summer dinners under the canopy. If you haven’t been yet, I suggest you visit next time it is in town. You’ll appreciate your childhood all over again, even on a damp evening wandering through the grounds.

4. Free Soil Superfood (Leaf Mulch)

Those “annoying” autumn leaves? They’re nature’s blanket:

Insulates roots from frost
Breaks down into nutrient-rich humus
Reduces garden waste (no bagging needed!)

Everyone always wants to remove those leaves before winter… but nature has her own timetable and she worked out how to feed and nourish herself ready for each new season. Even using the leftovers from our tree pruning services can improve your mulch production and compost quality too.

5. Conker Championships

Health & safety may have banned schoolyard battles, but:
🔴 Pro hack: Soak conkers in vinegar & bake for unbeatable champs.
🌰 Bonus: Roast chestnuts from sweet chestnut trees—autumn’s original comfort food.

6. Living Art (Topiary)

From hedge dragons to spiral laurels, shaped trees turn gardens into wonderlands. Fun fact: Yew trees live 1,000+ years—your art could outlast the house! Visit Kings Park for a yew walk or wander around Rouken Glen Park to see these ancient heros in the forest.

7. Heirloom Saplings

Grow free baby trees from seeds (acorns, sycamore “helicopters”). Plant them with kids as a living legacy—future generations will thank you.

8. Air Purifiers

One mature tree absorbs 48 lbs of CO2/year and filters dust/pollution. Translation: Your oak tree works harder than your HEPA filter.

9. Wildlife Hotels

Bird boxes: Attract blue tits (insect controllers)
Bat boxes: Natural mosquito patrol
Bug hotels: Hollow branches = solitary bee nurseries

10. Mental Health Sanctuaries

Studies show 20 mins under a tree lowers cortisol (stress hormone) better than a meditation app. Prescription: “Forest bathing” on prescription.

11. Carbon Vaults

That 50-year-old beech in your garden? It’s locked away 2.5 tonnes of CO2—equivalent to 10 flights from Glasgow to London. That’s why we’re environmentally concerned and invested in this business.