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What Do Trees Do? A Lot More Than You Think.
What Do Trees Do? A Lot More Than You Think.
Trees are an important element in our lives as human beings. If you go to Arbor Day Foundation’s website, you can find all sorts of information on the environmental and economic benefits that trees provide. Spring-Green has worked with with Arbor Day Foundation since 2010, donating to the effort of planting over 50,000 trees across the country. It is part of our commitment to improve the environment in which we work.
The Many Benefits of Trees
Sometimes it’s easy to forget the benefits that trees provide us besides helping us to keep a little cooler in the hot summer months, but according to Arbor Day Foundation’s website, trees provide much more than just shade. A mature shade tree can increase the value of a home by as much as $10,000, and many relators have stated that mature trees can have a major impact on the their ability to sell a home.
“One acre of forest absorbs 6 tons of carbon dioxide and puts out 4 tons of oxygen. This is enough to meet the annual needs of 18 people.” - U.S. Department of Agriculture
Just like lawns, trees absorb carbon dioxide and give out an abundance of oxygen. According to Arbor Day Foundation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, “One acre of forest absorbs 6 tons of carbon dioxide and puts out 4 tons of oxygen. This is enough to meet the annual needs of 18 people.” It goes without saying that without trees and lawns, we would not have much oxygen to breathe.
What else do trees do?
Having a tree to shade your house can reduce your cooling costs every summer, especially when planted on the south or west side of your home – and each year the tree grows, your savings will increase. Trees will also reduce air pollution and serve as a wind breaker to help protect your home.
Trees in an urban environment do require more care than they do in their natural environment, but caring for trees creates jobs for many people. Tree trimming companies, arborists, tree care companies, landscapers, tree nurseries, and garden centers all employ people to work for them. Many major universities offer degrees in Ornamental Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, Forestry and Arboriculture. These same universities engage in research on tree care as well as pest control programs to protect trees from major pest infestations. Caring for trees is a big business!
Trees are not only pleasing to look at, they are a major influence on our health as well as our economy. Caring for trees can be a rewarding and fulfilling endeavor. To commemorate this year’s Arbor Day, do your part and plant a tree today.