The Benefits of Trees

I just returned from a trip to Bastrop State Park.  As part of the ISF Texas Community Crew, I had the opportunity to participate in the restoration efforts going on in Bastrop.  Our group, along with several others, spent the day planting trees.  As we worked, it was hard to visualize the lush, beautiful forest that had once stood there.  It was sad to look at the burned remains but I was also happy seeing that so many people wanted to give their time to help restore it. 

The fire that swept through Bastrop in September of 2011, didn't just destroy the beauty of the park.  The trees that were lost provided much more than aesthetics.  But what benefits do trees provide?

• Cleans the air.  Trees absorb odors and other harmful pollutants.
•  Provides oxygen.  Yes...that stuff we breathe to stay alive comes from trees.  So why is man still destroying forests for the "sake of progress"?
• "One acre of forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide and puts out four tons of oxygen.  This is enough to meet the annual needs of 18 people."- U.S. Department of Agriculture
• Saves water and helps prevent water pollution and soil erosion.  By capturing large amounts of rainwater in its leaves, bark and roots, trees return water back into the groundwater supplies.  In addition, the leaves and bark acts to filter some of the pollutants from the run-off water, thus, improving the water quality that returns to the streams, lakes and oceans.
• "The planting of trees means improved water quality, resulting in less runoff and erosion.  This allows more recharging of the groundwater supply.  Wooded areas help prevent the transport of sediment and chemicals into streams." - USDA Forest Service
• Provides a habitat and food for wildlife.
• Saves energy.  Trees provide shading and act as a shield from cold winds that can reduce summer cooling needs by up to 50% and reduce winter heating costs.
• "The net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to ten room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day."- U.S. Department of Agriculture

 Trees provide many benefits for the environment and all the creatures therein.  It is important to maintain and defend our trees and to plant and care for new ones.  We rely on trees for our survival!