Franklyn D. Roosevelt quoted: “A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people.’’ Trees have always been a key symbol of the environmental movement. Below are some key factors that attempt to show trees are more than an emblem symbol of ecology, they are in fact key components to global ecosystems.
Trees act as natural filters of our air. Through the process of photosynthesis trees absorb carbon dioxide (a key greenhouse gas and principle contributor to global warming) from the atmosphere and store the carbon in their trunk, branches, leaves, roots, soil and foliage, while releasing oxygen back into the atmosphere.
Trees Produce Oxygen
A vital requirement for all animals is a supply of oxygen. Through the process of photosynthesis, trees and other vegetation supply us with this vital gas. One mature tree produces enough oxygen for 10 people to breathe in a year.
Trees improve biodiversity and provide habitat for wildlife
Up to 90% of all terrestrial animals live in association with forest habitats. In simple terms, the less trees the less viable habitat for many species. This will ultimately lead to species extermination, first locally and in many cases globally. Through the reinstatement of native forest you are providing new or improved habitat for a number of animal species that depend on forests for food and shelter.
Soil erosion
The elimination of trees from the landscape can have catastrophic repercussions in terms of making such areas more susceptible to landslide. Erosion control most frequently involves the planting of tree, shrub or grass species. The roots of the vegetation bind the soil and prevent erosion.
Water conservation
The instance of flash flooding has been shown to be reduced by the presence of forests. Also in areas likely to drought the addition of trees to the landscape can aid in the conservation of precious water resources. Trees slow down water runoff after periods of heavy rainfalls and help to recharge underground water-holding aquifers.
Tree and temperature control
A phenomenon reported from cities is known as the heat island effect where the increase of concrete and other man-made structures and actions lead to higher temperatures. In these urbanized landscapes the addition of trees has the consequence of lowering the ambient temperature due to their shading effect. Shade from trees reduces the need for air conditioning in hot locations. Likewise trees can also assist in cold climates; in winter, trees dissipate the strength of winter winds and can lower the winter heating bill.
Trees clean the soil
Trees can assist in the remediation of land that has been polluted by dangerous chemical pollutants. Trees can either store harmful pollutants or actually change the pollutant into less harmful forms. Trees can also be used to filter sewage and farm chemicals such as pesticides.
Social and communal benefits
Trees provide serious benefits. An environment abounding with trees and vegetation leads to a more serene, peaceful and restful frame of mind. Hospital patients have been shown to recover from surgery more quickly when their hospital room offered a view of trees. Communities are often strongly opposed to the removal of trees for infrastructure upgrades (road widening for example) and it is not uncommon for great efforts by individuals and organizations to go towards saving large or historic trees within a community. Furthermore by incorporating local communities into forest restoration projects you can provide employment opportunities in the management of this valuable resource. Read more...
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