Why do trees matter?
We all know that trees help create the air we all breath and filter out nasty pollution. But the benefits of planting trees goes so much further. In fact, trees play a vital role in all of our lives. In 2018, more than 310,000 people took part in National Tree Day, helping to plant more than 1.1 million native trees, shrubs, and edibles.
Whether you are an individual, or a larger company, it’s easier than ever to plant trees and enjoy the benefits. With more and more Australians seeing the value, both short-term and long-term, of a healthy spread of trees, here are the reasons why tree planting matters more than ever in 2019.
One – They improve our physical health
Trees soak up CO2 naturally, which helps to promote clean and healthy air for all of us. That’s not all though. With trees able to store CO2, they decrease the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere, while using it in the process of photosynthesis to produce sugar, provide energy, and release oxygen.
Trees also filter out additional harmful substances like dust, and pollutants like ozone, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.
Two – They improve our mental health
Did you know that living near trees has been scientifically shown to improve our mental health?
Having trees in your life is more than an aesthetic boost, they also help provide a natural boost to our cognitive and psychological health. Counsellor and psychologist, Amanda Woolveridge, believes trees can play a major role in mental health, saying “people who spend more time in green, tree-filled spaces typically display a lower likelihood of developing anxiety or depression.”
A free and easy way to reduce stress, trees are nature’s mood boosters.
Three – They increase property prices
Looking to sell your property in the near future? Plant some trees!
Not only do trees improve your home’s valuation by helping beautify your property, but they also reduce heating bills too, which is great for your bottom line on auction day.
This is reinforced by the experts at Sergio’s Gardening who agree, saying “we’ve noticed an increase in clients looking to beautify their outdoor spaces with trees and shrubs, with many having plans to list their home and use these green spaces to increase the resale value.”
When you plant trees that change with the seasons, you create a living work of art that evolves with your home, create privacy, and keep your yard looking, smelling and feeling great.
That’s not even mentioning their sound-suppressing ability (ideal near busy roads) or inducing a calming effect on suburban streets which keeps your family safer.
Four – They conserve energy
Trees are nature’s very own air conditioner. Using a process known as evapotranspiration, trees are able to generate cooler and more moist air.
On top of this, trees typically have a lower albedo. Albedo is the fancy name for solar energy that bounces off a surface and goes back up into the sky. The higher the albedo, the more solar energy that goes back into the sky, which typically makes an area hotter.
But with low albedo leaves, trees absorb the temperature for us and help keep our lives, suburbs and communities cooler.
Sydney SEO company Search It Local have seen the benefits of this remarkable ability, saying “we recently moved offices and immediately noticed the difference in temperature. The foliage by our window means we’ve been using the AC less, and letting nature regulate our office temperature more. We’ll be participating on the next ‘National Tree Day’ without a doubt.”
Five – They help our wildlife
We’ve touched on a whole range of benefits that trees give to our communities, but that’s not even mentioning what they can do for our native wildlife!
Trees provide homes for countless species of birds, reptiles, mammals and bugs. When trees are present there is less likelihood of a cheeky possum taking up residence in your home, with the beautiful flowers and fruits that local wildlife eating also contributing to a rich and fertile soil.
This means it’s easier for you to grow fruits and veggies, which can actually save you money too!
Final Thoughts
It’s easy to think that trees only provide shade and beautify the landscape. Even when we think about the additional benefits, clean air tends to be the first and only one that comes to mind. It’s clear though that planting trees isn’t just good for our bodies, but our minds too, as well as our native wildlife, our property prices, and our power bills.
So the next time someone asks why they should plant a tree, ask them to sit down, because there’s a long list of benefits to tell them!
So, when are you planning to get out into nature and plant a tree?
Let us know in the comments.
Charlie Wilson is an Australian writer and uni student living in Melbourne. He is passionate about technology and the latest innovations. Charlie also has a love for animal welfare, regularly taking breaks from work to volunteer with the local pet rescue.