WHY GROW TREES?

Trees are very important to our lives. To be without trees is like to be without our roots, writes environmental writer Richard Mabey. Much like roots are to a tree, trees are the fundamental anchor, foundation, and source of life for humanity.

Trees bring us many benefits, among them are providing us with more rain, more shade – and more life.

MORE RAIN. Trees suck water from the soil through their roots and “breathe” it out as water vapour through tiny holes in their leaves (transpiration). This moisture rises, cools, and turns into clouds that turn into rain. A single large tree can release hundreds of gallons of water into the air every day, helping form fluffy white clouds.

MORE SHADE. Trees increase shade through photosynthesis, which produces thick foliage (leaves and branches), and by growing taller to cover larger areas. This shade can lower surface temperatures by up to 20°F (11°C). Trees’ large, dense, and spreading canopies act as natural umbrellas, blocking up to 90% of the sun’s radiation.

MORE LIFE. No life could exist on Earth without trees. Trees produce most of the oxygen that humans and wildlife breathe. Trees also filter clean air, provide fresh drinking water, help curb climate change and create homes for thousands of species of plants and animals. Many trees also give us medicines to cure sickness.

Because of their valuable life-giving benefits, planting trees creates a lasting, positive impact for future generations.

The best legacy isn’t gold – it’s green. Plant a tree, leave a legacy.