By Bisola Adeyemo
Tree planting is one of the simplest and most effective ways of tackling climate change caused by greenhouse gas.
Tree-planting is the process of transplanting tree seedlings, generally for forestry, land reclamation, or landscaping purpose. It differs from the transplantation of larger trees in arboriculture, and the lower cost but slower and less reliable distribution of tree seeds.
As trees grow they absorb carbon dioxide (CO2), a major greenhouse gas in the atmosphere.
In addition to the carbon dioxide trees capture, trees also help the soil capture and store carbon. Despite not doing such an incredible job as oceans do – absorbing around 90% of all carbon emissions and then suffering the impacts of ocean acidification trees are extremely important to help stop climate change.
Tree planting is carried out in many different parts of the world, and strategies may differ widely across nations and regions and among individual reforestation companies. Tree planting is grounded in forest science, and if performed properly can result in the successful regeneration of a deforested area. Reforestation is the commercial logging industry’s answer to the large-scale destruction of old-growth forests, but a planted forest rarely replicates the biodiversity and complexity of a natural forest.
Because trees are so important, here are some reasons why we should plant more of them.
1. The environment
Trees help to combat global warming by absorbing carbon dioxide, removing and storing the carbon while releasing oxygen back into the air.
They also reduce wind speeds and cool the air as they lose moisture and reflect heat upwards from their leaves. It’s estimated that trees can reduce the temperature in a city by up to 7°C.
Other environmental benefits include the fact they help to prevent flooding and soil erosion, by absorbing thousands of liters of stormwater.
2. The wildlife
From birds and insects to bats and squirrels, trees provide a canopy and a habitat for many species of wildlife. But they don’t just act as a home for wildlife; the fruits from trees provide food for them too.
3. Our health
Trees help to improve air quality by intercepting and trapping dust and other pollutants from the air. The shade of trees also provides a useful barrier to harmful ultra-violet radiation from the sun.
But it’s not just our physical health that benefits, our mental health does too. When surrounded by trees or taking part in nature-based activities, stress and depression levels can be significantly reduced.
4. Our communities:
Trees can bring people together. They can act as a landmark within a neighborhood and encourage pride amongst people within that community.
Trees and woodland areas can be used to bring people together for educational purposes. They also allow for activities such as walking or birdwatching. In addition, they give children somewhere to play and feel a sense of adventure.
5. Trees are a Source of Food and Nutrition:
Trees are the major source of food and nutrition, not only for human beings but also for birds and animals. The fruits borne by the trees are consumed by humans and wildlife alike. If we look into our daily lives, we can see that apart from meats and dairy products, everything we eat comes from trees and plants.
6. Social Benefits:
Trees make life nicer. It has been shown that spending time among trees and green spaces reduces the amount of stress that we carry around with us in our daily lives.
Hospital patients have been shown to recover from surgery more quickly when their hospital room offered a view of trees.
Children have been shown to retain more of the information taught in schools if they spend some of their time outdoors in green spaces. Trees are often planted as living memorials or reminders of loved ones or to commemorate significant events in our lives.
7. Trees Enhance Fertility of Soil:
The decaying leaves and other parts of the tree add to the fertility of the soil and improves soil microorganisms.
