Tree planting is perceived to be the most engaging, environmentally-friendly activity that people can take part in to make the planet a better place. For thousands of years the earth has utilized trees to tackle the effects of climate change. It is impossible to live without the presence of trees on this planet. They offer both short- and long-term benefits too. Most people decide to enhance their gardens by planting trees due to their aesthetic beauty, connecting with nature, or for their soothing effect. However, trees contribute more for the natural environment than we imagine. They enhance air quality, reduce heavy rains and reduce flooding, prevent excessive heat and provide shade and remove carbon from the atmosphere.
Trees provide numerous benefits for everything on earth, including sea animals and many people across the world. Planting a tree not only benefits those who live locally close to it, but also the whole population such as by removing carbon from the atmosphere. People who live close to trees experience many benefits including a better living conditions. Trees can make a difference on mental health as they reduce stress and encourage outdoor activities. If you are thinking of planting, read below to find out the many benefits trees bring to the environment.
Clean the Air
After taking a stroll in the woods you could be feeling that there’s clear air. It is true because the trees purify the air. They are among the most valuable resources on the planet that supply oxygen. Photosynthesis is a process that, trees take in carbon dioxide and create oxygen as a by-product. Creatures on the earth can survive without oxygen. When we plant more trees, we are creating an abundance of oxygen to breathe and allow us to live our lives. There are a variety of trees in the world, the amount of oxygen generated by each can be different.
The trees absorb odors and harmful gases like ammonia, nitrogen oxides, Sulphur dioxide and ozone. They also eliminate particulates and dust from air by trapping them in the leaves and the barks. A hectare of mature trees could provide oxygen to 18 people over one year. Planting trees strategically around your home will significantly reduce the cost the cost of air conditioning. You will save money and lower carbon dioxide emissions.
The planting of trees helps to cool the air, especially in urban areas where it is 9 degrees warmer than those with trees. This is why environmentalists and architects came up with solutions to have indoor trees and green roofs. Green roofs can provide excellent cooling and remove heat from the air , thereby helping to save the environment. Indoor trees act in the role of natural air conditioners, and help to save money on cooling costs and energy bills.
Reduces Greenhouse Gas
Carbon dioxide, the “greenhouse gas’ is famous for its heat-trapping capabilities. The levels of carbon in the air are a great deal as the planet continues to warm at an alarming rate. Global warming is a consequence of greenhouse gas emissions produced by the destruction of forests and using fossil fuels to heat the earth. The carbon footprint is often mentioned. footprint, but a lot of people do not know that it’s carbon dioxide, CO2.
Trees are a great way to save the planet by countering the harmful effects of greenhouse gas. According to studies trees can contain 13 pounds of carbon dioxide or transform 48 pounds of carbon into oxygen within a single year. An acre full of trees can store 2.6 tons of carbon dioxide in one year. Thanks to its heat absorption and air purifying qualities, the planting of trees not only affect you locally but it affects others around you and contributes to the fight in the fight against climate change.
Reduce soil erosion
The planting of trees can bring benefits for the environment as well. The elements of wind and rain are the primary forces that harm the soil, causing erosion. When rain hits the ground, it is strong enough to have enough energy and momentum to be able to penetrate the soil. Trees break up the raindroplets weakening their force and in order to prevent soil damage. Their roots hold their feet on the ground, keeping the soil from being washed away because of rain or storms. Treesalso decrease the occurrence of landslides in areas of hilly terrain and stop the disappearance of fertile land by slowing the process of sedimentation in rivers. Trees also are windbreakers and keep soil from being swept away. These areas are regarded as deserts , and are not habitable. Planting trees benefits such areas by making them oasis-like areas, making them more habitable and productive. Mangroves have been known to guard coastal areas that are threatened from disappearing into the sea.
The root of trees also stores the rainwater preventing runoff. The study has proven that 100 trees can cut down on runoff from rain by up to 400,000 liters!
Did you know? Sweet New Earth offers advice and guidance around planting trees.
Help protect the Ozone Layer
Every year we hear news of global warming , as temperatures are on the rise. It is due to the fact that the people replacing forests by absorbing roads and structures making cities more warm. The planting of trees can reduce ozone layer pollution, as carbon dioxide can be the most common greenhouse gas. It is important to note that ground-level ozone pollution differs from the ozone layer that is high in the atmosphere. The aerosol cans’ pollutants and refrigerants have probably damaged the atmospheric ozone layer that absorbs the sun’s ultraviolet rays. The trees absorb nitrous oxides, which produce the ground-level oxygen released by fossil fuels when burned. In certain places the ozone, which is the most toxic of all components can be seen as smog which covers a city.
Having more trees around reduces the risk of health and environmental impact of ozone on the air. Once inside plants leaves and the gases are absorbed and converted, thereby reducing environmental pollution. More trees, especially in urban areas, means that there will be more breathable atmosphere and temperatures will be pleasant.
Trees are the main source of our survival means of providing oxygen, blocking sunlight , taking heat from the atmosphere, and providing cooling in the streets and in cities.
Make sure you prevent water Pollution
With a variety of substances in the air, stormwater picks up many contaminants, dirt, and bacteria that cause an issue for clean water sources in numerous places. The problem is frequently exacerbated through human activity, and is contaminated with nitrogen and phosphorus pollutions from fertilizers as well as other waste. As rainwater hits places like roofs and roads it transforms into stormwater. This can contain oil, heavy metals pesticides, grease and other chemicals contaminating our waterways. There are trees that break up the rain and allows the water to get into the ground. This lowers the risk of pollutants from stormwater flowing into streams and oceans.
Planting trees creates a filter-like sponge as they filter this water. They also help to recharge groundwater sources. This in turn providing cleaner water for use.
Conserve Energy
Trees can help lower the temperature of the room and help keep it cool. Trees planted strategically around buildings and homes reduces the energy used for cooling and heating by 30. This means you save money used for air conditioning cutting down on carbon dioxide and other pollution that come from power plant.
Many companies are focusing on utilising renewable energy sources in order to mitigate the damages of fossil fuels. If trees are used in a sustainable manner, they can be excellent sustainable fuel sources. Trees that are planted in urban areas minimize the ‘heat-island’ effect by absorbing light energy and reflecting it as heat. The leaves of the trees shade buildings during summer days and help to cool buildings during winter when they lose their leaves at this period. Not only do trees reduce the temperature of their local areas, but they cool the whole planet. Trees’ water vapor creates low-level clouds which reflect sunlight, cooling surface of the earth.
Save Water
The planting of trees can help save water. Since trees shade the land as well as shade, the water drained by the vegetation will slowly evaporate. Newly planted trees only require fifteen gallons of water in one week. As trees develop and grow, their atmospheric water content increases. As they provide cooling the environment, they use less water for plants that are smaller, such as plants and flowers that grow below the trees. Trees are the major component in forming clouds and generating rain. If there is more rainfall than normal, the amount of groundwater is likely to rise. Furthermore, trees capture snow and water, purifying it and transferring it to the aquifer through their roots. This results in cleaner water to use after some drilling. Tree planting is the most eco-friendly way of efficiently conserving groundwater.
Help to Create Habitat
Trees boost biodiversity as they serve as a habitat as well as a food supply for many creatures. It is evident that regardless of where they are planted there are other species of wildlife and plants that will follow. They encourage diversity since other organisms like bacteria and fungi are found in different parts inside the plant. They make it easier for birds to nest there and makes the soil more fertile. They are most frequently planted to provide shelter for birds, squirrels and insects. Oak trees are able to host more than 280 kinds insects, which feed birds and other animals.
When it is hot animals seek shade and shelter beneath trees and are close to their food source. Parts of the tree that appear dead, also known as’snags’ offer shelter for numerous small mammals and birds for nursing, storing food and for perching. The deforestation of trees is the primary reason that makes many animals lose their homes leading them to be extinct. Planting trees can assist wildlife like birds, frogs, and the raccoons to have an area to call home.
Protect the Ecosystem
It is not difficult to see that our planet’s ecology is modified as a lot of things are influenced by humans. To address this issue in the world, the United Nations General Assembly created the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to improve life quality. An effective way to do the same is to grow trees in order to protect the areas where the majority of people live, especially in cities. They regulate the flow of water across the globe. Trees catch sunlight’s energy and convert it into chemical energy using photosynthesis. Forests aid in this process by absorbing carbon in the trees that clean the air. Forests aid in regulating humidity levels in the air because they absorb rain before releasing it back into the atmosphere.
Planting trees also improves the quality of soil. The roots pull minerals to the surface to give it an increase in nutrition. They naturally take carbon and harmful substances from the soil. This benefits other plants. When leaves begin to fall, they are decomposed and give nutrients to the soil. The effects of deforestation have been detrimental to the air. This proves it is important to plant more trees. can help to reduce the impact of this problem and lower the temperature of the atmosphere. As forests provide a home for animals and insects they protect the ecosystem as well, calling the need to grow more trees.
Trees can create economic opportunities
Trees provide a livelihood to many people. The forests contain timber, wood fruit, as well as raw materials that provide economic value. The fruits that are harvested from trees can be sold and generate income. Trees are renewable and biodegradable resources for energy. Fuelwood, wood, and fibers are the raw materials used in paper, building materials and more. The by-products of wood such as barks become vitamin supplements, medicine vanilla flavoring, toothpaste. The textile industry depends heavily on trees products like cotton and jute for the production of different items.
Commercial districts that have trees attract more shoppers as they’re willing to make longer shopping trips and pay higher to park. Trees can increase to the value of property. Trees in the vicinity of homes sell more than houses without. Green waste management, landscaping as well as training for children interested in green jobs is a fantastic opportunity to create economic opportunities from trees. The planting of trees also offers an abundance of jobs. More than 10 million are employed in the forest industry informally.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen there are a lot of advantages to planting trees for the environment. The strategic planting of trees can add life to your surroundings, increase your enjoyment of life and aid in combating climate change. Trees can also provide a variety of other benefits such as decreasing noise, securing us from harmful ultraviolet radiations, helping to reduce frosts in agricultural areas, improving our health, and lessening stress. There’s plenty of room for sustainable companies that aim to develop products that cause less environmental damage. It doesn’t matter if you’re adding another seedling to your forest or putting one to your backyard, planting a tree is always an ideal idea.