Trees combat
climate change
Ø 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 clean the air
Ø Trees absorb smells 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
Ø In one year an acre of mature
trees can provide enough oxygen for 18 people.
Trees cool the
streets and the city
Ø 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 conserve
energy
Ø 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
Ø 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
Ø 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
Ø On hillsides or stream slopes,
trees slow runoff and hold soil in place.
Trees shield
children from ultra-violet rays
Ø 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 provide food
Ø 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 heal
Ø 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 reduce
violence
Ø 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
Ø Is it winter, spring, summer or
fall? Look at the trees.
Trees create
economic opportunities
Ø 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
Ø 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
Ø 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
Ø Trees as landmarks can give a
neighborhood a new identity and encourage civic pride.
Trees provide a
canopy and habitat for wildlife
Ø Sycamore and oak are among the
many urban species that provide excellent urban homes for birds, bees, possums
and squirrels.
Trees block things
Ø 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.
Trees provide wood
Ø In suburban and rural areas, trees
can be selectively harvested for fuel and craft wood.
Trees increase
property values
Ø The beauty of a well-planted property
and its surrounding street and neighborhood can raise property values by as
much as 15 percent.
Trees increase
business traffic
Ø Studies show that the more trees
and landscaping a business district has, the more business will flow in. A
tree-lined street will also slow traffic – enough to allow the drivers to look
at the store fronts instead of whizzing by.
