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It is
universally accepted that green space is valuable, and trees play an important
role in our landscape. Not only do they beautify our surroundings, purify our
air, manufacture precious oxygen and act as sound barriers, they also benefit
us in many other ways:
1.
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 26,000 miles.
2.
Trees clean the air, absorbing odours and pollutant gases (nitrogen
oxides, ammonia, sulphur dioxide and ozone) and filter particulates out of the
air by trapping them on their leaves and bark.
3.
In one year an acre of mature trees can provide enough oxygen for 18
people.
4.
Trees cool city temperatures by up to 10°F, by shading our homes and
streets, breaking up urban “heat islands” and releasing water vapour into the
air through their leaves.
5.
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 from power plants.
6.
Shade from trees slows water evaporation from thirsty lawns. Most newly
planted trees need only fifteen gallons of water a week. As trees transpire,
they increase atmospheric moisture.
7.
Trees reduce runoff by breaking rainfall thus allowing the water to flow
down the trunk and into the earth below the tree. This prevents storm water
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.
8.
On hillsides or stream slopes, trees slow runoff and hold soil in place,
helping to prevent soil erosion.
9.
Trees reduce UV-B exposure by about 50 percent, thus providing
protection against skin cancer.
10. Aside from fruit
for humans, trees provide food for birds and wildlife. An apple tree can yield
up to 2500 apples per year and can be planted on the tiniest urban
lot.
11. Studies have shown
that patients with views of trees out their windows heal faster and with fewer
complications. Children with ADHD show fewer symptoms when they have access to
nature. Exposure to trees and nature aids concentration by reducing mental
fatigue.
12. 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 within the landscape help
to reduce the level of fear.
13. Trees mark the seasons.
Is it winter, spring, summer or autumn, look at the trees.
14. 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.
15. Trees as landmarks
can give a neighbourhood a new identity and encourage civic pride.
16. Trees provide a
canopy and habitat for wildlife. Sycamore and oak are among the many urban
species that provide excellent urban homes for birds, bees and squirrels.
17. 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.
18. In suburban and
rural areas, trees can be selectively harvested for fuel and craft wood.
19. Trees increase
property values. The beauty of a well-planted property and its surrounding
street and neighbourhood can raise property values by as much as 15 percent.
20. Studies show that
the more trees and landscaping a business district has, the more business will
flow in. A tree-lined street will also slow traffic, enough to allow the
drivers to look at the store fronts instead of whizzing by.
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Select a fresh coconut that still has the husk on, and ensure that still has coconut milk in it by shaking it. Roughly remove the husk fibres with a sharp knife and place the coconut in a bucket of water, letting it soak for 2-3 days.
