Benefits of Trees

Trees combat the greenhouse effect

Global warming is the result of excess greenhouse gases, created by burning fossil fuels and destroying tropical rainforests. Heat from the sun, reflected back from the earth, is trapped in this thickening layer of gases, causing global temperatures to rise. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a major greenhouse gas. Trees absorb CO2, removing and storing the carbon while releasing the oxygen back into the air. In one year, an acre of mature trees absorbs the amount of CO2 produced when you drive your car 18,000 kilometres.

Trees clean the air

Trees absorb odours and pollutant gases (nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulphur dioxide and ozone) filtering the air by retaining particulates in their leaves, bark and lowing air temperature.

Trees clean the soil

The term phytoremediation the absorption of dangerous chemicals and other pollutants that have entered the soil. Trees can either store harmful pollutants or actually change the pollutant into less harmful forms. Trees filter sewage and farm chemicals, reduce the effects of animal wastes, clean roadside spills and clean water runoff into drains, streams and rivers.

Trees provide oxygen

In one year an acre of mature trees can provide enough oxygen for 18 people.

Trees cool the streets and the city

Average temperatures in Melbourne have risen 3°C in the last 50 years as tree coverage has declined and the number of heat-absorbing roads and buildings has increased.

Trees cool the city by up to 7°C, by shading our homes and streets, breaking up urban “heat islands” and releasing water vapour into the air through their leaves.

Trees conserve energy

Two to three trees placed strategically around a single-family home can cut summer air conditioning needs by up to 50 percent. By reducing the energy demand for cooling our houses, we reduce carbon dioxide and other pollution emissions.

Trees save water

Shade from trees slows water evaporation. Most newly planted trees need only 40litres of water a week. As trees transpire, they increase atmospheric moisture.

Trees help prevent water pollution

Trees reduce runoff by breaking rainfall thus allowing the water to flow down the trunk and into the earth below the tree. This prevents stormwater from carrying pollutants to the ocean. When mulched, trees act like a sponge that filters this water naturally and uses it to recharge groundwater supplies.

Trees help prevent soil erosion

On hillsides or stream slopes, trees slow runoff and prevent soil erosion.

Trees shield children from ultra-violet rays

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the World. Trees reduce UV-B exposure by about 50 percent, thus providing protection to children at schools and playgrounds - where children spend hours outdoors.

Trees provide food

Fruit trees can be planted on the tiniest urban lot. Aside from fruit for humans, trees provide food for birds and wildlife.

Trees reduce violence

Neighbourhoods and homes that are barren have shown to have a greater incidence of violence in and out of the home than their greener counterparts. Trees and landscaping help to reduce the level of fear.

Trees create economic opportunities

Fruit harvested from community orchards can be sold, thus providing income. Small business opportunities in green waste management and landscaping arise when cities value mulching and its water-saving qualities. Vocational training for youth interested in green jobs is also a great way to develop economic opportunities from trees.

Trees bring diverse groups of people together

Tree plantings provide an opportunity for community involvement and empowerment that improves the quality of life in our neighbourhoods. All cultures, ages, and genders have an important role to play at a tree planting or tree care event. Trees as landmarks can give a neighbourhood a new identity and encourage civic pride.

Trees block things

Trees can mask concrete walls or parking lots, and unsightly views. They muffle sound from nearby streets and freeways, and create an eye-soothing canopy of green. Trees absorb dust and wind and reduce glare.

Trees Control noise pollution

Trees muffle urban noise almost as effectively as stone walls. Trees, planted at strategic points in a neighbourhood or around your house, can abate major noises from freeways and airports.

Did you know?

No tree dies of old age they are generally killed by disease, insects or people.

Trees grow from the top not the bottom as generally believed.

Over half the weight of dried wood is carbon.

90% of nutrition for trees is collected from the air and 10% from the soil.