The great values of trees and forests

Trees are of great value is importance to our environment. They do enrich our life in various ways. We cannot exist as we do if they there are no trees. A mature leafy tree produces as much oxygen in a season as 10 people inhale in a year.

Besides, trees can reduce pollution. Trees can muffle and abate urban noise such as airports and free way almost as effectively as stone walls. The term phytoremediation is a fancy word for the absorption of dangerous chemicals and other pollutants that have entered the soil. Trees filter sewage and farm chemicals, reduce the effects of animal wastes, clean roadside spills and clean water runoff into streams.

Trees can be used to beautify the surroundings. Studies have shown that parts of cities without cooling shade from trees can literally be "heat islands" with temperatures as much as 12 degrees Fahrenheit higher than surrounding areas. Other than that, real estate values increase when trees beautify a property or neighbourhood. Trees can increase the property value of our home by 15% or more.

Trees fight soil erosion, conserve rainwater and reduce water runoff and sediment deposit after storms. Erosion control has always started with tree and grass planting projects. Tree roots bind the soil and their leaves break the force of wind and rain on soil. For example, flash flooding can be dramatically reduced by a forest or by planting trees. One Colorado blue spruce, either planted or growing wild, can intercept more than 1000 gallons of water annually when fully grown. Underground water-holding aquifers are recharged with this slowing down of water runoff.

Lastly, many people do not realise that forests are actually acting as giant filters that clean the air that we breathe in. Trees also help cleanse the air by intercepting airborne particles, reducing heat, and absorbing such pollutants as carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide.

In a nutshell, trees and forests play very important role in our daily life. Without them, no one dares to imagine how miserable our life will be. So, please do save the trees and the forests for a better tomorrow.