5 HUGE Reasons Why Trees So Important

#1 Trees are beneficial to health.

Tree canopies act as physical filters, trapping dust and absorbing pollutants in the air. Every year, each tree removes up to 1.7 kilos. They also provide shade from the sun and reduce noise.

Over 20 British tree and shrub species are known to have medicinal properties. Birch bark oil, for example, has antiseptic properties.

According to research, being surrounded by trees and green space lowers your blood pressure, slows your heart rate, and reduces your stress levels within minutes.

#2 Trees benefit communities.

Trees enhance a location's distinct character and foster community pride. Urban woodland can be used as an educational resource as well as to bring people together for activities such as walking and bird-watching. Trees are also great places for kids to play and discover their sense of adventure.

#3 Trees help the economy grow.

People want to live, work, and invest in green environments. According to research, average house prices are 5-18% higher when properties are close to mature trees. If there are parks and trees nearby, businesses benefit from a healthier, happier workforce.

#4 Trees benefit wildlife.

Trees are home to numerous microhabitats. When they are young, they provide shelter and food for amazing communities of birds, insects, lichen, and fungi. When old, their trunks provide hollow cover for species like bats, wood boring beetles, tawny owls, and woodpeckers.

A mature oak can support up to 500 different species. Richmond Park is densely forested, which is why it has been designated as a National Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest.

#5 Trees are good for the environment.

Trees absorb CO2 as they grow, and the carbon they store in their wood slows the rate of global warming.

As they lose moisture and reflect heat upwards from their leaves, they reduce wind speeds and cool the air. It is estimated that trees can reduce city temperatures by up to 7°C.

Trees absorb thousands of liters of stormwater, which helps to prevent flooding and soil erosion.