Trees
combat climate change
Excess carbon dioxide (CO2) caused by many factors is a
building up in our atmosphere and contributing to climate change. Trees absorb
CO2, removing and storing the carbon while releasing the oxygen back into the
air. In one year, an acre of mature trees absorbs the amount of CO2 produced
when you drive your car 26,000 miles.
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
provide wood
In suburban and rural areas,
trees can be
selectively harvested for fuel and craft wood.
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.
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
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 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.
Trees
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 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
shield children from ultra-violet rays
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United
States. Trees reduce UV-B exposure by about 50 percent, thus providing
protection to children on school campuses and playgrounds - where children
spend hours outdoors.
Trees
reduce violence
Neighborhoods and homes that are barren have shown to have a
greater incidence of violence in and out of the home than their greener
counterparts. Trees and landscaping help to reduce the level of fear.
Trees mark
the seasons
Is it winter, spring, summer or fall? Look at the trees.
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 are
teachers and playmates
Whether as houses for children or creative and spiritual
inspiration for adults, trees have provided the space for human retreat
throughout the ages.
Trees bring
diverse groups of people together
Tree plantings provide an opportunity for community
involvement and empowerment that improves the quality of life in our
neighborhoods. All cultures, ages, and genders have an important role to play
at a tree planting or tree care event.
Trees add
unity
Trees as landmarks can give a neighborhood a new identity
and encourage civic pride.
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 block
things
Trees can mask concrete walls or parking lots, and unsightly
views. They muffle sound from nearby streets and freeways, and create an
eye-soothing canopy of green. Trees absorb dust and wind and reduce glare.
No comments:
Post a Comment