The Benefits of Trees and Forests
Water Quality
Forests are one of the most critical factors determining the quality of water in streams and the health of our watersheds, especially in developed urban and suburban areas where impervious surfaces like roads and rooftops have modified the natural hydrology. Tree leaves, branches, and stems intercept falling rain, absorb and store water, reduce runoff and erosion, filter out pollutants, and provide shade to cool streams.
Air quality
Trees reduce air pollution by removing pollutants from the air and capturing on leaf surfaces—including particulates, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, chlorine, fluorine halogens, ammonia, and ozone. Trees also absorb sequester and reduce carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen.
Wildlife
Forests provide refuges of habitat and food for a variety of birds, mammals, insects and amphibians that live in our community. Large and connected areas of tree canopy and forest offer the most valuable wildlife habitat. Oaks in particular are habitat superheros.
Fish
Have you ever heard that “fish grow on trees”? It’s true. Organic matter contributed by tree leaves are the base of the freshwater food chain.
Quality of life
People living in communities with abundant trees experience less asthma and respiratory illness. Trees help reduce noise pollution, protect our eyes and skin from harmful sun damage, foster pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, foster “traffic calming”, and beautify where we live and work in. Science has confirmed that just having a view of trees and greenspace can help us heal.
Energy
The shade provided by trees can lower average temperatures by an average of 3 to 10F in summer, reducing what is known as the “urban heat island effect” created by paved surfaces. Residents can reduce their heating and cooling expenses by 10 to 40% when trees are strategically planted to shade our homes.