Trees mark the paths we take in more ways than one: traditionally used as markers when seeking direction, they also have roots in people’s lives, whether it’s a poplar used as a natural climbing frame, the willow in a wedding photograph or an oak planted in remembrance. Trees offer a multitude of benefits not just to life on Earth – but to the planet itself. So how do trees help the environment?
1. Reduced Soil Erosion
Soil erosion and land degradation caused by intensive agriculture leads to issues like nutrient degradation and loss of salinity, affecting the surrounding wildlife and causing declines in fish and other water-dwelling species. In addition to sustainable land use, the roots of trees physically prevent soil erosion by preventing soil from washing away by absorption.
2. Slowing Extreme Weather Events
Extreme weather and fires are a significant result of climate change, causing widespread devastation to the habitats and livelihood of humans and animals alike. Through the interception of rainfall in their canopies, slowing of water through the ground by their roots, sequestering carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and then storage of that carbon in the wood for hundreds of years all contribute to the reduction of climate change and the slowing of extreme weather events.
3. Improved Air Quality
Trees can trap debris, dust & particulate matter in and on their leaves, The main way that trees are beneficial in city air choked with particulate matter is that they can act as physical barriers that block the pollutants from reaching people, they do this by acting a surface for the particulate matter to rest on or be clock from travelling in a particular direction, In other words, the particulate matter is not absorbed by the tree but it sticks to the leaves and bark and is washed off by the rain down the drain, or is moved elsewhere by the wind. They also help improve air quality through the reduction of Co2 via photosynthesis and can also absorb nitrous dioxide (NO2).
4. Cleaner Water
Trees also act as natural water filters, extracting pollutants and sediment from rainfall, acting ass natural sponges, collecting and filtering rainfall and releasing it slowly into streams and rivers, making tap water easier to treat, cheaper to process – and cleaner to drink.
5. Greater Biodiversity
Trees are home to a plethora of animals, insects and other wildlife. Species-loss isn’t just about losing some of the many wonderful creatures that inhabit our planet: it causes major disruption to our fragile ecosystem, with consequences as far-reaching as the impact on our human food supply. Even dead or dying trees provide a safe haven and food source for fungi and insects, which then in turn provide food for other wildlife.
6. Energy Conservation
We know how trees can help improve the environment outside, but how do trees help the environment inside our homes? The answer is surprising, yet simple: tree shade acts like natural air-conditioning, which can help lower the cost of mechanical cooling systems – while in colder months they provide a natural windbreaker, trapping heat. By reducing the need to use heating and air conditioning, trees reduce our own energy usage, helping to slow down a major factor affecting our planet.
7. Trees – Nature’s Superheroes
Climate change primarily occurs as the result of burnt fossil fuels, which then release greenhouse gases into the air, which in turn cause damage to our ozone layer, causing sea levels – and temperatures to rise. The result is widespread devastation: in some cases gradual, in others -such as extreme weather events and forced displacement of people – dramatic and sudden.
While humans can help to slow global warming through a multitude of actions (both large and small), trees have a hugely valuable part to play. Through their inbuilt biomechanisms, trees are true climate action heroes capable of enhancing our lives while helping to save the planet – and its inhabitants.
Contact Us
For more information on caring for the trees that look after our planet, contact your local tree consultant, who can also help you calculate tree survey cost amongst a range of other arboricultural services.