Trees play an important role in water management and that’s just one reason I love trees. As the New York Times points out, “Trees are nature’s water filters, capable of cleaning up the most toxic wastes, including explosives, solvents and organic wastes, largely through a dense community of microbes around the tree’s roots that clean water in exchange for nutrients, a process known as phytoremediation.”
Trees supply us with many other excellent benefits too
Trees provide shade, shelter and serenity. Due to changing climate, wildfires, insects and disease, the need for trees in our nation’s forest and urban environments is greater than ever before. Below are ten of my favorite reasons to love trees. I hope you love them too:
- Oxygen Provider– One day’s worth of oxygen for a family of four is provided by a single tree. In 2008, Columbia University researchers found that children living on tree-lined streets were less likely to develop asthma
- Piggy Bank Protector– Properly placed tree cover in urban areas can save cities millions of dollars annually in storm water management, air purification and energy conservation costs
- Power Investor– It’s estimated 50 million well-placed shade trees have the potential of eliminating the need for seven 100-megawatt power plants
- Emission Combater – If a tree absorbs one ton of carbon over its lifespan, it’s like erasing 11,000 miles of car emissions
- Air Purifier– One acre of trees has the ability to remove up to 5 tons of carbon dioxide and up to 13 tons of other particles and gases annually. A single tree might absorb up to one ton of carbon over a 40-year lifespan
- Natural Coolant – One mature tree has the same net cooling power as 15 room-size air conditioners
- Secret Shopper– Trees add value. According to Morton Arboretum, shoppers in well-landscaped business districts are willing to pay up to 12% more for goods & services
- Energy Saver– Carefully positioned trees at home or the office can save 25%-30% of energy consumption. Deciduous trees are the most beneficial for energy savings since they provide shade in the warmer months and allow the sun to shine through their leaves in the colder months
- Stormwater Filter-100 mature trees can capture up to 100,000 gallons of rainfall per year, reducing runoff and filtering water
- Peacemaker– Trees reduce crime, stress and illnesses. According to North Carolina State University, a well-placed tree can also block noise by up to 40%
