We could not survive without trees. Besides providing oxygen, they help in ways that many people overlook when going about their daily routines.
Below, our crew from Benton Tree Service explores the numerous benefits of trees, ranging from erosion control to air pollution reduction. If you’re looking for expert tree services in New Orleans, LA, to help you plant saplings in your yard, call us today.
They Slow Climate Change
Climate change occurs as greenhouse gases surround the Earth’s atmosphere, trapping heat from the sun. Many human activities accelerate climate change by increasing the production of carbon dioxide.
Trees survive through a process called photosynthesis, which involves absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and releasing oxygen in the process. Throughout a tree’s life, it stores carbon dioxide, helping to slow climate change, while producing clean air that we can breathe.
Tree planting helps manage the amount of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, though mature trees absorb more carbon dioxide than young saplings. Because of this, it’s important that we conserve and protect mature forests.
Trees Filter Our Air
Trees act as a natural air filter, removing not only carbon dioxide from the air but also pollution from urban environments. Leaves can filter particulates that arise from burning fossil fuels and other industrial activities, preventing some of the health concerns associated with poor air quality.
Forests Create Diverse Habitats
Just as humans cannot survive without trees, neither can animals. Forests create diverse ecosystems where thousands of animal and plant species thrive, accounting for over 65% of Earth’s mammals and 75% of birds. These interconnected habitats contain highly complex and delicate relationships, ranging from tiny insects that nourish the soil to large wildlife and rare predators, all of which depend on trees.
Canopies Give Us Shade and Cool Urban Environments
One of the often-overlooked yet heavily relied-on benefits of trees is the shade they provide. Trees block UV radiation and create much-needed shade, which is becoming increasingly important as temperatures continue to rise from climate change.
In urban environments, planted trees offer a safe haven from heatwaves, acting as natural air conditioning. This can offer physical and mental health benefits on extremely hot days. Trees can even potentially lower cooling costs and energy usage, reducing carbon emissions.
Trees Reduce Erosion
Wind and rain slowly erode soil over time, creating detrimental long-term impacts, such as landslides. Trees and their extensive root networks create natural barriers that prevent erosion, keeping riverbanks, slopes, and farmlands intact.
Forests Filter Water
Much of the water you drink traveled a far distance, trickling through various natural filtration processes before arriving at your lips. Forests naturally filter rainwater through their canopies, underground channels, and root systems.
Do You Want To Plant Some Trees?
From soil improvements to slowing climate change, the benefits of trees extend far and wide. If you want to do your part by planting some saplings, consider exploring low-maintenance tree varieties. Then, call Benton Tree Service at (504) 896-0820 to schedule an estimate.