With the environment-first movement going strong, one of the most simple yet effective ways of going green is to plant trees. 

Isn’t it getting hot? We have all noticed the increase of heat in our everyday lives. We also notice fewer trees in our sights and more lots to create buildings on. In such harsh light, we all run to the shade of trees. However, there is lesser green in our environment as we further go into our urban lifestyle.

Acres of forests have a great contribution to our environment by providing oxygen and reducing the overall heat. They could bear fruit for us to eat, provide shelter to wildlife, and so much more. 

However, the uncontrolled rate of logging, burning, clearcutting, and degradation of the environment paves the way to industrialization and its increased carbon output. Forests and plots of land are razed and burned to give way to parking spaces and buildings. With every tree lost, more carbon dioxide is unabsorbed and traps heat, making a hotter world.

With the threat of global warming and climate change over our heads, we have to take action even just in our little ways. One of the simplest and most effective solutions is to plant trees. These giant plants offer a hundred benefits and more that will be felt and benefit future generations to come.

Contents

How does planting trees help the environment?

Aside from aiding in the natural beauty of the environment, trees greatly aid in stopping climate change. Trees are one of the earth’s natural providers of oxygen and shade. Plants and trees go through a process called photosynthesis to create their food. This uses water, sunlight, and carbon dioxide to create energy.

Carbon dioxide, the greenhouse gas, is known for its heat-trapping ability. This gas is what is making the world heat up, especially in its increased numbers. The carbon present in the environment and from our homes and cities is absorbed and stored by trees and release oxygen in the process. 

With trees, we have a cooler environment. Less water is evaporated, and the soil is richer and stronger. They help maintain cleaner air rich in oxygen. More planted trees give rich biodiversity to the ecosystem and to the wildlife it inhabits.

What are the 10 benefits of trees?

These tall plants give many benefits from social changes to economic ones. 

The number one contribution of trees to the environment is their ability to reduce climate change. During the photosynthesis process, it uses carbon dioxide, the greenhouse gas, present in the air, and absorbs it. They use it alongside sunlight and water to create its good counterpart, oxygen.

They help purify the air, as trees absorb the pollutants in the environment like ozone, ammonia, and more. Their leaves act as mini-filters since they trap and absorb odors. With fewer pollutants and gases in the air, there is more oxygen available to people.

They are a cheaper alternative to air conditioners and cooling equipment. Their size and bulk make them a great shade from harsh sunlight. Not only do they act as good decorative furniture, but they also reduce carbon dioxide and power plant emissions as alternatives to air conditioning.

Because of reduced heat, less water is evaporated into the atmosphere. They can also prevent water pollution since they filter stormwater before they seep into the oceans and bodies of water. They are also the shelter and habitat of many wildlife critters. When they have lost their homes, they risk going extinct or going endangered.

Trees are also an integral part of biodiversity and the water cycle. Through their roots, they collect and absorb water and release it into the atmosphere, preventing the world from drying out from excessive heat.

One of the world’s problems is unrenewable sources of energy. Fossil fuels won’t be around forever, so companies have started to look into renewable sources of energy. If they are treated and harvested sustainably, trees can be simple and efficient renewable eco-friendly fuels.

Trees are also a big factor in erosion control. They increase the fertility of the soil and reduce soil erosion. The leaves of the trees break the droplets from the rain, reducing their ability to penetrate the soil with a powerful force. The roots of the trees hold the soil together from strong winds.

Also Read:

110 Simple Hacks for a More Eco-Friendly Life

8 Eco-Friendly Apps to Help You Live Sustainably

Would planting trees stop global warming?

Global warming is a threat that looms over us as it gets bigger day by day. Many of man’s actions have a significant effect on the environment and creating a saturated environment of carbon dioxide is one of them. Humans produce these carbon dioxides in the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels and burning forests.

This excess carbon dioxide contributes to another current problem of the world which is climate change. Thankfully, a solution to this problem is trees. The trees absorb this carbon dioxide, effectively removing it and storing it as they release oxygen. They also help the soil in capturing and storing this carbon. 

When there are few trees in an area, it is generally hotter. Heat-trapping carbon is not effectively absorbed, and the soil can be weak and dry. The accumulation of these heat areas with little to combat them will lead to global warming. 

Which country is planting the most trees?

More people are now recognizing trees and their importance and impact on our lives, so organizations now are aiming to educate and inspire people to do the same. Organizations like Plant for the Planet and One Tree Planted were created to help the environment by getting people to plant more trees.

Many green organizations, foundations, and countries recognize the looming danger of climate change and global warming to our world, in the present, and the future. Trees are a critical factor in sustaining life on Earth since they do so much for the planet, from livelihood to wildlife habitats and lowering carbon in the atmosphere.

The Plant for the Planet organization has a World Tree Map feature that takes record of the top 100 countries that have planted the most trees. It is also possible to see which individuals, schools, and companies planted the most trees. 

China, the number 1 ranking country that plants the most trees, has planted a total of 2,407,149,493 trees. Second to this is India which has planted 2,159,420,898. Ethiopia is 3rd at 1,725,530,234 planted trees. Fourth is Pakistan at 1,006,776,724 trees and fifth is Mexico at 787,307,032 trees. 

Read: 10 Ways to Make Money While Saving the Environment

Where is the best place to plant trees?

Not all of us have a plot of land at our disposal to plant trees on, so we can start small in our backyard.

First, we must consider the right species of trees to plant. Factors like the soil, climate, and growing conditions are what you must consider. You must take into consideration the drainage of the yard and the soil chemistry. You must also take note of the hardiness zone of your region, which will determine the plants’ likelihood to thrive in your region.

Another thing to think about is the structures present in the near environment. Consider nearby structures like sidewalks or driveways and overhanging wires the tree might get caught in. You could also run into problems below like underground plumbing and utility lines. It is important to take note of the needed vertical and horizontal space of the mature tree species.

The species of the tree must coincide with the climate of your location for it to live long and well. You also have to take note of its possibility to bear fruit or sap and how it could affect the place around it, like messy fruit droppings or scattered leaves clean up.

A tree is a lifelong investment, as taking it out is a much more costly endeavor. It is important to keep in mind that its placement is crucial.

Does planting trees make a difference?

Everything in our life needs balance. For too long we are exposed to gray pollution and our urban lifestyle; we need to bring back the green trees to help our world. Trees are also an investment since they take a while to grow, but they reap a lot of benefits, not only to yourself but also to the world.

Planting trees seem like such a minute step, but it is better in the long run. These forests have so much to offer from increasing oxygen levels and decreasing the rising temperatures of the world.

If we do not take action now, this problem of global warming and climate change will be felt by our future children. They will feel the full brunt effect of global warming in their time.

Read: 11 Best Picnic Baskets & Coolers For Sustainable (and Socially-Distant) Picnic Dates

Bottom line

Trees are a simple solution to reduce the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. By planting trees, the greenhouse gases that trap heat are absorbed and turned into oxygen instead. With their numerous benefits, it only asks the question: why not plant trees?

About The Author

May can usually be found reading an eco magazine absorbed in the latest gripping articles on all things eco! May is passionate about the environment. May believes in looking and feeling good whilst living an eco friendly lifestyle. In her spare time she loves cooking, playing her guitar and going for country walks. May lives in the UK and enjoys spending time with friends, family and her two adorable cats.

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.