Trees are the oldest living things on earth. Planting trees is also an easy and sustainable way of positively affecting the environment. Here is an overview of the main reasons why we should plant trees.
- Trees purify the air and help in absorbing air pollutants like nitrogen oxides, ammonia, carbon dioxide, and re-oxygenate the atmosphere through photosynthesis.
- Trees prevent soil erosion, especially on hillside and slopes, Trees helps in holding the top layer of soil. Wind and rainfall are the causes of soil erosion, and growing trees can help in preventing it.
- Trees provide seasonal fruits. Consuming plenty of fruits is essential for one healthy diet. Aside from contributing to our diets, trees also provide food for animals and even medication to help us fight ailments. For example, the ubiquitous Aspirin is made from the bark of Willow trees.
- Trees absorb noise hence minimizing noise pollution and creating a peaceful environment. Trees with dense foliage scatter sound while the trunks reflect it. Trees can be strategically placed to hide from unwanted views or noise from busy streets.
- Trees provide habitat for insects, birds, and mammals. For example, bees and birds in the wild rely on trees to build their hives and nests. A single tree is a home to several animal species, constituting a microcosm where each species, including the plant, contributes to other species.
- When trees decompose, they become a part of the soil system feeding the next generation of plants. If grown in the right sites around a home, they can help reduce the amount of sunlight and heat that hits your home, reducing your need to use the air conditioning in the summer.
- Deciduous trees like Oak and Maple have plenty of leaves throughout the year, protecting your house from heat (sunlight) in the summer and lose their foliage in the fall, allowing sunlight to reach and warm out homes.
- Trees provide us with beneficial building products, such as wood and rubber, used in manufacturing furniture, windows, door, equipment, and stationery.
- Trees capture rainwater and reduce the risks of natural disasters like floods and landslides. By filtering water from pollutants, the root systems prevent water from being directly absorbed by the ground.
- Trees play an essential role in the healthy development of children. A child who spends more time outdoors, in nature, develops physical fitness and mental alertness and displays more confidence along with low levels of stress.
