The Importance of Trees
Environmental Benefits
Help Prevent Stormwater Runoff
Stormwater runoff occurs when precipitation falls on parking lots, roofs, and other impenetrable surfaces. Large volumes of runoff overwhelm sewer treatment facilities and lead to flooding, stream erosion, and contamination of watersheds.Trees help prevent stormwater runoff by absorbing water through their rooms and releasing water back into the atmosphere through transpiration.
Sequester Carbon
Carbon sequestration is the process by which trees (or other natural or artificial processes) absorb and store carbon from the atmosphere. This is important because removing carbon from the atmosphere can slow effects of climate change. Tree leaves absorb CO2 during photosynthesis, its roots absorb carbon from decaying leaves, and the tree's trunk and branches also store carbon.
Treat Water Pollution
The root systems of trees can collect contaminants from water as it seeps through the soil.
Improve Soil Quality
Tree roots can absorb, transform, and contain contaminants from the soil. Thus they can help remediate soil at landsfills and other contaminate sites.
Urban Landscape/Home Benefits
Combat Heat Island Effect
The heat island effect refers to captured heat within cities cause by stored heat in buildings and pavement materials. Trees can help reduce surrounding temperature by casting shade and giving off moisture from their leaves.
Make our Streets Quieter
Trees can absorb sound, especially at high frequencies. Trees and shrubs planted together in large numers can significantly reduce highway noise.
Save Energy
The shade from trees can cool buildings and reduce the use of air conditioners. By using less energy you are not only saving money but also reducing the amount of greenhouse gases going into our atmosphere.
Increase Your Property Value
Buildings and homes that are surrounded by trees usually sell for at least 10% more than buildings in areas without trees.
Health Benefits
Improve Air Quality
Trees can remove air pollutants such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrous oxides. Trees that are large and have many leaves can capture the most pollution.
Help with Relaxation
Studies have shown that the sight of trees can reduce blood pressure, increase work productivity, and aid in reducing stress.
Protect from UV Rays
If you were to stand in direct sunlight for 20 mintues you would likely burn. But stand under a tree that provides 50% coverage and it will take around 50 minutes to burn. Stand under a tree with full shade it takes around 100 minutes to burn.