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. Since the beginning of time, the earth has used trees to tackle the effects of climate changes. It is impossible to live without the presence of trees around the globe. They have long-term and short-term advantages as well. The majority of people want to enhance their landscapes with trees because of their beauty, aesthetics, connection with nature, or due to their tranquilizing impact. However, trees contribute more for the environment than we might imagine. They improve air quality, slow down the heavy rains and decrease flooding, prevent excessive heat and create shade, and also remove carbon from the atmosphere.
Trees provide numerous advantages to everything around the globe, from sea creatures to countless people working around the world. A tree’s growth not only helps those living locally near it, but also to all of humanity, such as taking carbon out of the atmosphere. People who live close to trees can benefit from many advantages such as a rise in health and quality of life. They have a positive impact on mental wellbeing by reducing stress and encouraging outdoor activities. If you’re thinking of planting, read below to find out the many benefits trees have on the environment.
Clean the Air
After a walk in the woods you could have felt that there is clear air. This is because trees do purify the air. Trees are among the irreplaceable sources on earth that supply oxygen. Photosynthesis is a process that trees absorb carbon dioxide and create oxygen as a result. Living creatures can endure without oxygen. When we plant more trees, we create more oxygen that can breathe and keep us alive. There are many types of trees in the world The amount of oxygen produced by each one may differ.
Trees absorb odors , as well as harmful gases like ammonia, Sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and Ozone. They also filter particulates and dust from air by trapping them in the leaves and the barks. An acre full of mature trees can supply oxygen to 18 people over one year. A strategically planted tree around your house can significantly save the cost of air conditioning. You will save money and cut emission of carbon dioxide.
The trees that are planted cool the air particularly in urban areas where it’s 9 degrees hotter than those with trees. This is why ecologists and architects have come up with ways to install indoor trees and green roofs. Green roofs are great for cooling as well as removing heat from the air thus saving the environment. The trees inside act as 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 abilities. The levels of carbon in the air are a great amount as the earth continues to warm in alarming amounts. Global warming is the result of excess greenhouse gas caused by destroying rainforests and using fossil fuels to heat the earth. The carbon footprint is often mentioned. footprint but many do not know it is carbon dioxide, also known as CO2.
The trees we plant help our planet by reducing the impact of greenhouse gas. According to research an adult tree could hold 13 pounds of carbon or transform 48 pounds of carbon into oxygen within a single year. An acre of trees stores 2.6 tons of CO2 per year. Because of its heat-absorbing and air purifying capabilities, it is not just that planting trees affect you locally , it can affect others around you as well and helps in the fight in the fight against climate change.
Reduce Soil Erosion
The benefits of planting trees are sustainable for the environment as well. Wind and rain are the primary forces that harm bare soil causing erosion. As rain hits the ground, it has enough force and momentum to get into the soil. Trees break up the raindroplets weakening their force and protecting the soil from damage. They’re roots hold their ground in a strong way, preventing the soil from being washed away because of rain or storms. Treesalso decrease the risk of landslides occurring in areas of hilly terrain and stop the erosion of fertile soil by slowing down the sedimentation of rivers. They also help break the wind and help prevent soil from being swept away. Places without trees end up as deserts and inhabitable. Trees can help these areas by transforming them into oasis, which makes them more livable and productive. Mangroves have been known to guard coasts in danger from being lost to the sea.
The tree’s root also holds rainwater to prevent runoff. The report has shown that 100 trees could reduce the amount of runoff that rain causes by up to 400,000 liters!
Guard the Ozone Layer
Every year , we hear about the effects about global warming because temperatures are on the rise. This happens because humans are replacing the trees by absorbing buildings and roads, which makes cities warmer. Planting trees helps reduce ozone pollution largely as carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the main greenhouse gas. It is important to note that ground-level ozone pollution is distinct from the ozone layer, which is high in the atmosphere. Aerosol cans containing pollutants and refrigerants have probably caused the destruction of atmospheric ozone which absorbs sun’s ultraviolet rays. Trees absorb nitrous dioxides that form the ground-level ozone released as fossil fuels are burned. In some places the ozone, which is the most toxic of all components, is visible as smog which covers the city.
Having more trees around reduces the health-related and environmental impacts of ozone in the air. After entering the plant’s leaves these gases are absorbed and converted to ozone, which reduces the impact on the environment. More trees, especially in urban areas, means that you will breathe more fresh ambient air and temperatures will be moderate.
Trees are our main survival means by providing more oxygen, blocking sunlight removing heat from the air, as well as providing cooling in urban areas and streets.
Stop Water Pollution
With many substances in the atmosphere stormwater is a magnet for contaminants, dirt and bacteria that pose a threat to clean water in a variety of places. It is often worsened through human activity, and is contaminated with nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers as well as other waste. As rainwater flows over areas like roads and roofs the water becomes stormwater. It can include heavy metals, oil, grease, pesticides and other chemical contaminants that are contaminating our waters. The presence of trees in the area breaks the rain and allows water to seep into the ground. This lowers the risk of stormwater carrying pollutants flowing into streams and oceans.
Planting trees creates a filter-like sponge that filters this water. It also helps recharge groundwater supplies and in turn providing healthier water to drink.
Conserve Energy
Trees are helpful in lowering temperature and keeping a place cool. Planting trees strategically around homes and buildings can cut down the energy used for cooling and heating by 30 percent. This means you save cost for air conditioning which reduces carbon emissions and other harmful pollutants produced by power plants.
Many companies are looking at utilising renewable energy sources in order to mitigate the damages of fossil fuels. If trees are managed sustainably they could be an excellent eco-friendly fuel. Trees that are planted in urban areas help reduce the ‘heat island’ effect by taking in light energy and refracting it back as heat. They provide shade during the summer heat and cool buildings during winters as they lose their leaves during this time. They not only cooling the area they are in, but they also cool the entire globe. Trees’ water vapor creates low-level clouds that reflect sunlight, cooling planet’s surface.
Save Water
Planting trees helps to save water. As shade trees create as well as shade, the water drained by the vegetation will be evaporated slowly. Newly planted trees only require fifteen gallons of water a week. As trees grow and grow, their atmospheric water content increases. As they provide cooling you will use less water for plants that are smaller, such as the flowers and crops grown under the trees. Trees are the main components of forming clouds and creating rain. If there is more rainfall than normal, the amount of groundwater is likely to increase. Additionally, trees absorb the water and purify it by snow and then releasing it into the aquifer through their roots. This means cleaner water for usage after drilling. Planting trees is the most environmentally friendly method to save groundwater.
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Create Habitat
They increase biodiversity because they are a home to food sources for many creatures. There is regardless of where they are planted, other plants and wildlife will follow. Trees promote diversity as other organisms like bacteria and fungi are found in different parts within the trees. They make it easier for birds to nest in the trees and makes the soil more fertile. Sycamore and oak trees are most frequently planted to provide shelter to squirrels, birds, and insects. Oak trees can hold up to 280 species insects which are food for birds as well as other animals.
In the event of extreme heat animals seek shelter and shade under trees while being near their food source. Trees that look dead also known as’snags’ offer shelter for numerous small mammals and birds for taking a nap, storing food items, and for perching. Deforestation of trees is the main reason that makes many animals lose their homes leading them to disappear. When you plant trees, you help many wildlife such as birds, frogs and Raccoons, among others, gain the habitat they need.
Protect the Ecosystem
There is no doubt that the earth’s system is now changed as many aspects are influenced by the human race. To address this, there was a need for the United Nations General Assembly created the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to enhance the quality of life. A good way to accomplish the same is to grow trees in order to protect the places where the majority of people live particularly in urban areas. Trees regulate the cycle of water around the world. Trees absorb sunlight’s energy and convert it to chemical energy using photosynthesis. Forests contribute to this cycle by absorbing carbon in the trees and cleaning the atmosphere. Forests aid in regulating the level of humidity in the atmosphere by absorbing rain and dispersing it back into atmosphere.
Planting trees also improves the quality of the soil. The roots bring minerals to the surface to give it an increase in nutrition. They naturally remove carbon and harmful substances from the soil. This is beneficial to other plants. As the leaves fall, they decay and enrich the soil. Deforestation is a negative impact on the atmosphere. This proves that planting more trees can help to reduce the impact of this problem and lower the temperature of the atmosphere. As forests provide a home for insects and animals, they protect the ecosystem as well, which is why it is important to plant more trees.
Trees can create economic opportunities
They provide a way of life to many people. They contain wood, timber fruit, as well as raw materials that can be used for economic gain. Fruits gathered from trees can be sold to generate income. Trees are renewable, biodegradable resources for energy. Fuelwood, wood, and fibers provide raw materials for paper, building materials and more. Wood’s by-products like barks are used to make medicinal, vitamins vanilla flavoring, toothpaste. The textile industry depends heavily on tree products such as cotton and jute for the production of numerous items.
Commercial areas that have trees attracted many shoppers since they’re willing to make longer shopping trips and pay higher for parking fees. Trees also add to the value of property. Homes with trees are sold more than houses without. The management of green waste, landscaping and education for young people keen on green jobs are a great way to boost economic potential through trees. Tree planting can also provide significant employment opportunities. More than 10 million people are employed in forest sector activities formally.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen the numerous positive environmental effects of planting trees. Strategically planting trees will add life to your surroundings, enhance your living conditions and help combat climate change. They also offer a host of other benefits such as decreasing noise, securing us from harmful UV radiations, helping to reduce frost in areas of agriculture and improving our overall health and reducing stress. There is more room for sustainable companies that aim to develop products that cause less damage to the environment. If you are adding another seedling to a forest , or growing one to your backyard and planting a tree is always an excellent idea.