Trees are far more than attractive looking plants that we use for shelter or gathering fruit from. Trees give life and we need them to survive. Here are a few ways why trees are crucial for our planet:
- Trees help fight climate change
Too much carbon dioxide is accumulating in our atmosphere, leading to climate change. Trees are vital in combating climate change as they absorb carbon dioxide, store it and release oxygen back into the atmosphere instead. In just one year, one acre of trees can absorb the CO2 produced from driving 26,000 miles. In one year, an acre of trees can supply the oxygen needs of 18 people.
- Trees clean up the air
Trees also absorb polluting gases and odours, including sulphur dioxide, ozone and ammonia. They are able to take the particles out of the air and store them in their bark and on leaves.
- Keep it cool
In built-up areas, temperatures and rising as there are more heat-absorbing roads and less trees. Trees can cool a city by as much as 10 degrees by providing shelter, shade and releasing cooling water vapour into the air.
- Save energy
Trees planted in certain locations around a property can help to conserve energy, reducing air conditioning needs by up to 50%. Reducing energy consumption also means less CO2 production. Want to plant trees around your property? Get some advice from a Tree Surgeon Poole at https://kieranboylandtreeservices.com/
- Save water
A lawn in the shade of trees loses water slower so requires far less watering.
- Help stop water pollution
Trees help to prevent excess run-off of water, absorbing water through the trunk and back into the earth below. This helps to stop any stormwater carrying pollutants back to the sea. Trees act like a big sponge, naturally recharging the supply of groundwater.
- Help protect from UV rays
UV rays are a significant factor in skin cancers and trees can help to reduce exposure to these harmful rays by up to 50%. Planting trees around areas where people spend time outdoors, like schools and playgrounds, is a great idea for increased protection from the sun.
- Food-givers
Did you know that one apple tree can supply up to 20 bushels of fruit each year and can be planted almost anywhere, in the smallest of urban areas? As well as providing healthy fruit, they also serve as an important habitat for wildlife and birds.
- Healing powers
When hospital patients have trees to look at through their windows, they actually heal faster and experience less complications than those who don’t have such a view. Being exposed to nature also improves the symptoms of children with ADHD. Trees also help people to concentrate by lessening mental tiredness.
- Ability to calm
Urban areas and neighbourhoods with no nature and a barren appearance experience higher levels of violence on the streets and in homes than areas where there is greenery. It is clear that landscaping and greenery reduces fear and aggression.
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