WHY DO WE PLANT TREES?

Clean Air

Trees play a crucial role in cleaning the air we breathe. They absorb harmful pollutants through their leaves and bark and release clean oxygen. In urban areas, trees help by absorbing gases like nitrogen oxides, ozone, and carbon monoxide and capturing particles such as dust and smoke. Deforestation and fossil fuel combustion have increased carbon dioxide levels, contributing to trapping heat in the atmosphere. Healthy, robust trees serve as carbon sinks, absorbing carbon and mitigating the effects of climate change.

Biodiversity

A single tree can provide a habitat for hundreds of species, including insects, fungi, moss, mammals, and plants. Different forest animals require different types of habitat based on their food and shelter needs. Without trees, forest creatures would be left without a place to call home.

Climate Control

Trees play a crucial role in climate regulation by providing shade and lowering air temperature. Their extensive root systems help to hold soil in place, reducing erosion and preventing landslides.

Furthermore, trees help to cool the planet by absorbing and storing harmful greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide in their trunks, branches, and leaves, and releasing oxygen back into the atmosphere. In urban areas, trees can reduce ambient temperatures by up to 8°C. Given that more than 50% of the world’s population lives in cities—a number expected to rise to 66% by 2050—pollution and overheating pose a significant threat. Nevertheless, a mature tree can absorb an average of 22 pounds of carbon dioxide per year, contributing to a healthier and safer environment in cities.