Trees were there before us on this planet we call home. They are an integral part of the earth’s very structure. When humans first started living on earth, trees provided furnishing and food. Today, we cherish this nature’s creation more than ever and want to spend another millennium under their shade.
More and more benefits of trees are being discovered. As they expand to cover the necessities of our life, we will discuss some of their most important benefits:
Social value
Have you ever spent time under the shade of a big old tree during summers or rain? You are not the only one. Within a community, trees are like a building block. They may look like they are in the background, but fulfill so many of our needs every day.
Our parks, streets, and houses would be incomplete without trees. They not only provide oxygen, but they also look beautiful wherever planted. Thus, they increase our quality of life with their existence. If maintained well, trees also attract wildlife which further livens up a community.
There is always that one street or park in a community that keeps buzzing with the chatter of birds and bees. It is great when you are on a walk, as it relaxes your mood and looks beautiful to the eye. Today, many neighborhoods are popular for housing trees hundreds of years old. Tourists pour in from every corner of the world to witness the magnificence of these beauties.
When your town is home to such a tree, you also take pride in it. You do all in your capacity to care for the tree and help nourish it.
Ecological value
Trees improve our environment by providing oxygen which is necessary for humans to breathe. They enhance the quality of air, conserve water, preserve soil and house wildlife. According to the US Department of Agriculture, one acre of forest absorbs 6 tons of Carbon Dioxide and generates 4 tons of Oxygen. This number is enough to meet the yearly needs of 18 people.
The shrubs and turf growing around the trees also contribute. It removes pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. After trees clear out these dangerous particles, rain washes them to the ground.
Over the ground and under, trees work hard to improve the quality of living. The strong and far-reaching roots hold the soil in place and battle erosion. They absorb rainwater and prevent flooding. It recharges the water supply of the ground.
The leaves falling off trees makes excellent compost for their growth. This way, they sustain their growth and nourishment. In summers, they keep things cool and protect pedestrians from the scorching sun rays.
Health and medicinal value
Trees positioned well around a house can cut air conditioning needs to a great extent. This is because they filter air and remove air pollutants. Thus, this removes the energy demands to put air conditioning in a house and conserve energy. Some services like Manuel Diaz Farms are on the undying mission of beautifying the barren lands.
One apple tree yields about 20 bushels of fruit in a year. Planted on a tiny bit of land, this one tree can feed hundreds. Imagine what a whole orchard can do!
Apart from our food, trees provide food to wildlife and insects as well. They say that patients with trees outside their windows feel better. A serene, relaxing green view would make anyone feel better in an instant. Children with ADHD show better progress when taken out in nature once a day.
You can also avail of this view by walking home from work and walking through a park to soothe your senses. Some services like Manuel Diaz Farms can ship and plant trees around your house to fight a harsh summer!
Not to mention the medicinal value of trees. Most trees provide medicine with their leaves being used as an herbal treatment. Each canopy of the forest will filter out pollution.
Spiritual value
We love trees because they look great and help fight climate change. In some parts of the world, trees hold spiritual value. Not all trees are the same, people have some spiritual or religious connection with some trees.
The beauty, strength, and resilience of trees gives them a spiritual value. In Chinese and other societies, trees are preferred to meditate and relax.
In villages, people gather under the shade of an old tree to talk and meet each other. Some trees are said to heal the sick, so people tie their prayers in the form of strings on the branches.
In someone’s backyard, trees record history. If a person plants a seed, his or her generation will live to see the tree in all its regality. People make an emotion connection to them and care for them like an elder. How many of you had a tree like that in your childhood? Most of us remember the shade under which we grew.
Last word
As more and more population moves to the urban side, trees gain value in our lives. They help bring nature and its beauty to our lawns and parks. They have so many benefits that they are like our best friends. With increasing global warming, we all should strive to plant a tree that benefits the next generation.