Why to stand up for trees?

March 29 2020 – Digital Marketing Integrated Collaborator

TREES COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE

Excess carbon dioxide (CO2) is building up in our atmosphere, contributing to climate change. Trees absorb CO2, removing and storing the carbon while releasing oxygen back into the air. In one year, an acre of mature trees absorbs the same amount of CO2 produced when you drive your car 26,000 miles.

CLEAN THE AIR

Trees absorb odors and pollutant gases (nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxide and ozone) and filter particulates out of the air by trapping them on their leaves and bark.

PROVIDE OXYGEN

In one year an acre of mature trees can provide enough oxygen for 18 people.

TREES COOL THE STREETS AND THE CITY

Average temperatures in Los Angeles have risen 6°F in the last 50 years as tree coverage has declined and the number of heat-absorbing roads and buildings has increased. 

Trees cool the city by up to 10°F, by shading our homes and streets, breaking up urban “heat islands” and releasing water vapor into the air through their leaves.

TREES CONSERVE ENERGY

Three trees placed strategically around a single-family home can cut summer air conditioning needs by up to 50 percent. By reducing the energy demand for cooling our houses, we reduce carbon dioxide and other pollution emissions from power plants.

TREES SAVE WATER

Shade from trees slows water evaporation from thirsty lawns. Most newly planted trees need only fifteen gallons of water a week. As trees transpire, they increase atmospheric moisture.

TREES HELP PREVENT WATER POLLUTION

Trees reduce runoff by breaking rainfall thus allowing the water to flow down the trunk and into the earth below the tree. This prevents stormwater from carrying pollutants to the ocean. When mulched, trees act like a sponge that filters this water naturally and uses it to recharge groundwater supplies.

TREES HELP PREVENT SOIL EROSION

On hillsides or stream slopes, trees slow runoff and hold soil in place.

TREES PROVIDE FOOD

An apple tree can yield up to 15-20 bushels of fruit per year and can be planted on the tiniest urban lot. Aside from fruit for humans, trees provide food for birds and wildlife.

TREES HEAL

Studies have shown that patients with views of trees out their windows heal faster and with less complications. Children with ADHD show fewer symptoms when they have access to nature. Exposure to trees and nature aids concentration by reducing mental fatigue.

TREES CREATE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

Fruit harvested from community orchards can be sold, thus providing income. Small business opportunities in green waste management and landscaping arise when cities value mulching and its water-saving qualities. Vocational training for youth interested in green jobs is also a great way to develop economic opportunities from trees.

TREES PROVIDE A CANOPY AND HABITAT FOR WILDLIFE

Sycamore and oak are among the many urban species that provide excellent urban homes for birds, bees, possums and squirrels.

TREES INCREASE PROPERTY VALUES

The beauty of a well-planted property and its surrounding street and neighborhood can raise property values by as much as 15 percent.

Source: https://www.treepeople.org/tree-benefits

Tagged: clean air, conserve energy, economy oppotunities, ecosystem, forest, oxygen, soil erosion, trees, water pollution