About that Tree: The Benefits of Trees
Trees are the biggest plants on the planet and deliver some of the biggest benefits.
They make people happier and the earth healthier.
Trees are beautiful. Whether planted by design or naturally, the many varieties provide interest and color to our landscape. They can be majestic. They can give us spectacular spring flowers and vivid fall color. Their beauty improves our general well-being. Studies have shown that people feel more tranquil and serene in the presence of trees, with decreased anxiety and fatigue after even a short walk amongst them.
The communal benefits of trees are great. Trees improve the town’s overall appearance, and enhance the community’s sense of pride. Not only can trees soften the hard appearance of large buildings, they can also be planted to compliment the architecture of a town or large park. They can hide unsightly views and increase privacy. Functionally, trees can reduce noise and glare, and can save a town money in stormwater management and energy conservation costs.
Trees help us enjoy a more temperate climate, breathe cleaner air and drink purer water. As trees grow, they help stop climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the air, storing carbon in the trees and soil, and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. The environment is cooled when the atmospheric carbon dioxide build up is slowed, offsetting the warming of the planet.
Trees are able to improve air quality by providing oxygen and filtering out airborne contaminants. Our drinking water is cleaner because trees capture rainwater, purify it and slowly release it back into waterways and underground aquifers.
Trees are a major source of food and nutrition, not only for human beings but also for birds and small animals. They provide a healthy ecosystem by offering shelter as well as sustenance to some of the tiniest creatures.
Trees provide us with so many economic, communal and environmental benefits. They are a beautiful part of our environment, and they improve the quality of our lives every day.
They make people happier and the earth healthier.
Trees are beautiful. Whether planted by design or naturally, the many varieties provide interest and color to our landscape. They can be majestic. They can give us spectacular spring flowers and vivid fall color. Their beauty improves our general well-being. Studies have shown that people feel more tranquil and serene in the presence of trees, with decreased anxiety and fatigue after even a short walk amongst them.
The communal benefits of trees are great. Trees improve the town’s overall appearance, and enhance the community’s sense of pride. Not only can trees soften the hard appearance of large buildings, they can also be planted to compliment the architecture of a town or large park. They can hide unsightly views and increase privacy. Functionally, trees can reduce noise and glare, and can save a town money in stormwater management and energy conservation costs.
Trees help us enjoy a more temperate climate, breathe cleaner air and drink purer water. As trees grow, they help stop climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the air, storing carbon in the trees and soil, and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. The environment is cooled when the atmospheric carbon dioxide build up is slowed, offsetting the warming of the planet.
Trees are able to improve air quality by providing oxygen and filtering out airborne contaminants. Our drinking water is cleaner because trees capture rainwater, purify it and slowly release it back into waterways and underground aquifers.
Trees are a major source of food and nutrition, not only for human beings but also for birds and small animals. They provide a healthy ecosystem by offering shelter as well as sustenance to some of the tiniest creatures.
Trees provide us with so many economic, communal and environmental benefits. They are a beautiful part of our environment, and they improve the quality of our lives every day.
Tree Topics
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by Manette Scheininger for the
Tree Preservation Commission of Westfield NJ |