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Enjoying the view in Wellington, New
Zealand more made pleasing by the trees. New Zealand is active in advocacy of
planting trees. (Image courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/)
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With the clear evidence of climate change
in our times, taking action is still the best way to combat it. And what is the
most basic act we can do that even a kindergarten student know? To Plant
Trees.
New Zealand is one of the countries who
are in the forefront of realizing the significance of taking actions such as planting trees. New
Zealand’s ecosystem is one of the most diverse in the world. It is a habitat to
a huge number of plant species. In fact, 84% of them are endemic. Notable trees
include the Cabbage Tree, the Nikkau Palm (New Zealand’s only palm tree) and
the Giant Kauri (holds the record for the greatest timber volume of any tree on
Earth). Now you know where the drive was coming from on why New Zealanders
plant trees.
Here are 7 Reasons why we should Plant trees as what the New Zealander
is already doing:
1.)
To Plant Trees is to Give
Shelter from Sun, Wind and Rain. = According to www.pattfoundation.org, “In urbanised
landscapes, the addition of trees has the effect of lowering the ambient
temperature due to their shading effect. Shade from trees reduces the need for
air condition in hot location. Likewise trees can also assist in cold climates;
in winter, trees dissipate the strength of winter winds and ca lower the winter
heating hill.” In addition, they also reduce glare and reflection.
2.)
To Plant Trees is to filter
pollution from air. Trees act as natural filters of
air. www.treesaregood.com reports
that, “Air quality can be improved through the use of trees, shrubs, and turf.
Leaves filter the air we breathe by removing dust and other particulate. Rain
then washes the pollutants to the ground. Leaves absorb carbon dioxide from the
air to form carbohydrates that are used in the plant’s structure and function.
In this process, leaves also absorb other air pollutants – such as ozone,
carbon monoxide, and sulphur dioxide – and give off oxygen.
3.)
To Plant Trees is to Prevent
Soil Erosion. Erosion control involves planting
trees, shrubs or grass species. The roots of the trees hold and binds the soil
and prevent soil loss. More than that, it also acts as soil cleaner.
Trees can assist in the remediation of land that has been polluted by dangerous
chemical pollutants. Trees can be used to filter sewage and farm chemicals such
as pesticide.
4.)
To Plant Trees is to Provide
Food for Humans. Whether large-scale of just for
personal and household consumption, no doubt trees served its purpose very well
by giving us something to enjoy eating. Tree growers and gardeners no less
experience this joy.
5.)
To Plant Trees is to Provide
Food for Animals and Home for the wildlife. www.pattfoundation.org
stresses, “Up to 90% of all terrestrial animals live in association with forest
habitats. In simple terms, the less trees the less viable habitats for many
species. This will ultimately lead to species extinction, first locally and in
many cases globally. Through reforestation of native forest you are providing
new or improved habitat for a number of animal species that rely on forests for
food and shelter. The animal diversity not only improves in areas that have
undergone restoration; plant life equally benefits.
6.)
To Plant Trees is to Help
Recycle Water. The instance of flash flooding has
been shown to be reduced by the presence of forests. Also in areas prone to
drought the addition of trees to the landscape can aid in the conservation or
precious water resources. Trees slow down water runoff after period of heavy
rainfalls and help to recharge underground water-holding aquifers.
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Planting trees is an enjoyable bonding
moment. (Image courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/)
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7.)
To Plant Trees is to
Beautify the Surroundings. Trees make the
surroundings pleasing to the eyes. It creates an environment for walking,
musing and reflecting. It reflects peace. It also provides an interesting,
soothing, learning environment for children and your community.
We can go on and on to enumerate the
benefits of planting trees. To sum it up, the book, “50 Simple Things You Can
Do to Save the Earth” (by John Javna, Sophie Javna and Jesse Javna) says it
best: “You’ve heard it many times: One of the best things you can do for the
environment is to plant a tree...or, even better, a whole bunch of trees. That’s
because trees are amazing pollution-figthers, water-savers, and soil-savers.
They’re home to living creatures. They help save energy.
Sources:
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50 Simple Things You Can Do to Save
the Earth (John Javna, Sophie Javna, and Jesse Javna)
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