Importance of trees and its Value
Since the early stage, trees are playing
very vital role in our daily life; trees have furnished us with two of life's necessity,
oxygen and food. As we developed, they provided additional necessities such as
shelter, tools and medicine. Today, their value continues to gradual increase
and more benefits of trees are being discovered as their role expands to
fulfill the needs adopted by our modern lifestyles.
Social and Community Value
Now a day’s Trees are an important part of
every community. Our streets, playgrounds, parks and backyards are lined with
beautiful trees that create a peaceful, aesthetic environment. Trees increase
our quality of life by bringing natural elements and wildlife habitats into
urban style. We all gather under the cool shade they provide during outdoor
activities with family and friends. Many neighborhoods are also having the home
of very old trees that serve as historic landmarks and a great source of town
pride.
Using trees in cities to deflect the
sunlight decreases the heat island effect caused by pavement and commercial
constructions.
Ecological and Environmental Value
Trees contribute to their environment by
giving oxygen, improving air quality, conserving water, preserving soil,
climate amelioration, and supporting wildlife. During the process of
photosynthesis, trees take in carbon dioxide (CO2) and produce the oxygen
(O2) we breathe. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture,
"One acre of green 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."
Trees, turf and shrubs also filter the air by removing dust particles and
absorbing other pollutants like carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur
dioxide. After trees caught unhealthy particles, rain washes them to the
ground.
Trees control climate by decreasing the
effects of the sun, rain and wind. Leaves absorb and filter the sun's radiation,
keeping things cool in summer. Trees also preserve heat by providing a screen
from wind. In addition to minimize wind speed and direction, they shield us
from the downfall of rain, hail and sleet. Trees also lower the air temperature
and reduce the intensity of the greenhouse effect by maintaining low levels of
carbon dioxide.
Both above and below ground, trees are very
essential to the eco-systems in which they inhabit. Far reaching roots hold
soil tight and in place and fight with soil erosion. Trees absorb and store
rainwater which reduce runoff and sediment deposit after storms. This helps the
underground water supply recharge, prevents the flooding and transport of
chemicals into streams. Fallen leaves make excellent compost that enriches soil
fertility.
Many animals are depending on trees,
including koalas, giraffes and elephants eat leaves for nourishment. Flowers
are eaten by deer’s, and nectar is a favorite of birds, bats and many insects.
Animals also eat much of the same fruit that we enjoy this process helps
disperse seeds over great distances. Of course, hundreds of living creatures
call trees their home. Leaf-covered branches keep many animals, such as
squirrels and birds out of the reach of predators.
Personal and Spiritual Value
The main reason everyone like trees is
because they are both beautiful and majestic. No two are same. Different
species display a seemingly endless variety of shapes, textures, forms and
vibrant colors. Even individual trees vary their beautiful appearance
throughout the year as the seasons change. The long lifespan, strength and
regal stature of trees give them a memorial quality. Most of us react to the
presence of trees with a relaxed, pleasant, comfortable feeling. In fact, we
plant trees as living memorials of life-changing events.
Trees help to record the history of your
family as they grow and develop alongside with you and your kids. We often make
an emotional bond with trees we plant or become personally attached to the ones
that we see every day. These strong connections are evidenced by the hundreds
of groups and organizations across the country that go to great lengths to
protect and save particularly large or historic trees from the dangers of
globalization. How many of your childhood memories include with the trees in
your garden or old neighborhood? The sentimental value of a special tree is
simply immeasurable.
Practical value and Commercial Value
Trees have supported and sustained life
throughout our existence. They have a wide variety of practical and commercial
uses. Wood was the very first fuel, and is still used for cooking and heating
by about half of the world's population. Trees provide timber for building
construction, tools, sporting equipment, furniture manufacture and thousands of
household items. Paper is made of Wood pulp.
We are all aware of fruits like apples,
oranges, bananas and the countless other fruits and nuts provided by trees. But
did you know the bark of some trees can be made into cork and is a source of
chemicals and medicines? Quinine and aspirin are both made from bark extracts.
The inner bark of some trees contains latex, the main ingredient of rubber. How
many more uses can you name?
Source:
http://www.savatree.com/whytrees.html
