The Top 7 Benefits of Planting Trees
Without a doubt, trees are nature’s best defense against pollutants produced in high density areas. Here‘s a look at the top 7 ways that trees benefit the earth, and humanity:
1. Climate Control
Metropolitan cities have often been studied by meteorologists because of their unique climates. Trees attribute to healthier weather patterns by diminishing carbon monoxide levels and decreasing high temperatures absorbed into concrete and asphalt thoroughfares.
2. Pollution Control
Trees naturally scrub the air of toxins released from car exhausts, chemical fumes and other pollutants. It’s one of the reasons why trees are strategically planted on sides of streets and speckled throughout parking lots. Without them, it would be much harder to breathe in such a contaminated environment.
3. Energy Reduction
Planting trees near a building structure directly benefits the amount of energy consumption in a number of ways. Trees provide shade in the summer and block strong winds in the winter, reducing heating and air conditioning usage.
4. Noise Control
Thick arbors can also reduce the noise level in your city, which adds to the aesthetic appeal of the area. By planting medium-size trees and hedges in neighborhoods, parks, and shopping centers a natural buffer is created to reduce noise pollution.
5. Flood Control
Cities that tend to receive a hefty dose of rainfall, such as Seattle and Memphis, require trees to improve flood control. The trees’ deep roots draw in the excess water as well as anchor top soil and prevent erosion. Millions of dollars of flood damage can be prevented each year by increasing forestry efforts.
6. Beauty
Universities and other public arenas have often found that a vibrant green space contributes to the attendance of their facilities. It’s no wonder that a university with a sprawling landscape, such as UGA, OSU and Southern Mass, is desirable for college co-eds to stroll through between classes.
7. Physical & Mental Health
Parks and recreation areas are so important to balancing the hustle and bustle of city life, which aids in the physical and mental health of urbanites. Tree-lined footpaths allow joggers and bikers to take in beauty of their city as well as provide a well deserved retreat from the concrete streets.
Trees and other vegetation are aesthetically pleasing and allow people to enjoy the outdoor environment of their cities. It’s high time we start investing in the natural health of our cities to encourage green living.
Long ago are the days when trees were planted in urban settings as an afterthought to the function of the metropolis. Back then city officials would rather spend taxpayer dollars on repairing roads or updating traffic signals – anything but keeping their city green. But eco-conscious movements have helped citizens realize the importance of urban forestry and its benefits to society.
With Portland, Oregon taking the 2011 prize for the “greenest city in America”, other cities are quickly following suit. Metropolitan areas such as Kansas City, Boston, and Albuquerque are making strides in green programs, coming up with new and inventive ways of positively interacting with the environment around them.
Here’s an idea: strip away the high-tech, flex-fuel vehicles and green architectural feats that these cities have been coming up with, and come back down to earth for a simple solution — plant trees!
Ralph Tyler works for Premiere Tree Services of Boston. He has been an ardent tree-lover his whole life!
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