Planting trees in your neighbourhood is one of the best things you can do for the local environment and for the planet. Without trees there would be no life on earth. Trees are like the lungs of the planet. They breathe in carbon dioxide and breathe out oxygen. Besides removing contaminants from the air, trees have many other social economic and environmental benefits.
They filter pollution from the air, help recycle water, prevent soil erosion, create shade, give shelter from wind and rain, provide homes for animals, make food for humans and wildlife, provide a soothing environment and much more. Most often we plant trees to provide shade and beautify our landscapes. Spending time among trees and green spaces reduces the amount of stress that we carry around with us in our daily lives.
Through careful planning, trees can be an asset to your entire community. Tree lined streets have a traffic calming effect and they also screen and absorb noise from busy highways. Plantation of trees reduces the urban heat island effect through evaporative cooling and reducing the amount of sunlight that reaches parking lots and buildings. Trees give off oxygen and improve our air quality by filtering harmful dust and pollutants such as ozone, carbon monoxide and sulphur-dioxide from the air we breathe. They reduce the amount of storm water runoff which reduces soil erosion. Many species of wildlife depend on trees for habitat. They provide food, protection and homes for many birds and mammals. Many herbs are used in producing vital medicines and paper is made out of trees.
Planting trees is vital to maintain a balance in the ecosystem. All the living beings are dependant on trees in some way or the other. The strength, structure and endurance of trees make them beneficial for the environment. In this increasing concrete jungle of cities, planting more and more trees in the surroundings has become a vital need.
