Today is Arbor Day, a holiday that encourages people around the world to plant trees. Obviously, like Earth Day, this is a holiday that should be observed year round. Many people take trees for granted and don't know the many benefits that trees have. So, in honor of Arbor Day here are 10 Tree Facts that you should know:
1. Wildlife use trees for food, shelter, nesting, and mating. These habitats support the incredible variety of living things on the planet, known as biodiversity. By protecting trees, we also save all the other plants and animals they shelter.
2. Trees properly placed around buildings can reduce air conditioning needs by 30 percent and can save 20–50 percent in energy used for heating.
3. Trees absorb odors 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.
4. Trees are the longest living organisms on Earth, and never die of old age.
5. Compact tree foliage can serve as a windbreak, as well as provide protection from rainfall.
6. Trees lower air temperature by evaporating water in their leaves.
7. Leaves filter the air we breathe by removing dust and other particulates and releasing oxygen.
8. Several studies have found that access to nature yields better cognitive functioning, more self-discipline, and greater mental health overall.
9. Urban landscaping, including trees, helps lower crime rates.
10. Trees can hold vast amounts of water that would otherwise stream down hills and surge along rivers into towns.
Leave a comment