Have you thought about what if forests do not exist? If so, there would be no trees around.
Are trees important in our existence? If so, how?
Existentialists would think of the importance of trees or their relevance in the surroundings and often ask mind-boggling questions that are puzzling to answer.
Facts about Trees
The truth is trees are a part of the enormous and wonderful life cycle. And we humans belong to that cycle.
Life wouldn’t exist without trees around. Trees define life on Earth (along with animals and water). And behind that fact is that humans depend on trees in many uncountable ways. They are our life support.
Source of oxygen
Basic science tells us that trees play a significant part in the life cycle, releasing oxygen through photosynthesis. Without this process, all life forms that depend on oxygen would not survive, including us.
We breathe out carbon dioxide, which trees absorb in return. So, it is a mutual process.
Do you know that there can be no rain too if there are no trees? Because nothing will absorb the water from the ground and release it by the evaporation process.
Now, the air has a source of moisture that converts it to rain. And when the rain falls, the trees are first in the line to absorb the water!
So, imagine a forest without trees or no forest to call at all!
What else do trees provide? How important are they in our ecosystem?
- Air filter. Trees in the forest are vital members of the ecosystem because the collective benefit will serve as a giant filter for our world. They also regulate air pollution.
- Prevents soil erosion. The strong roots of trees grow into an immense size beneath the ground and serve as anchors against the rush of softened soil caused by storms. The branches and leaves break the impact of wind, and dried leaves go back to the ground and enrich the soil.
- Food provider. Imagine the hundreds, if not thousands, of fruit-bearing species of trees in the world that have a significant role in commerce and food crops; trees feed us!
- Sustainable fuel. Even dead trees are helpful. Dead and rotten trees meld with the ground and serve as fossil fuel. We know how fuel is essential to our daily living. The petroleum and coal products from fallen trees occupy a significant supply in the world’s energy, providing heat, electricity, and transportation. Imagine for one dead tree and not replenished, meaning, when planting stops, our source of fossil fuel diminishes. And it takes millions of years for the decomposition from animals and plants to obtain that precious fuel!
- Sound absorber. Do you know that lush trees can muffle loud sounds? This is perfect if you have a noisy neighbour, it can add to your soundproofing by lining up your fence with trees. Have you ever wondered why trees lined up on highways?
Other Benefits of Trees
- Healing—Not for the botanical benefit but for aesthetic beauty. The presence of well-manicured trees outside the windows of facilities helps in healing those with special conditions. Reports say that just seeing the trees outside is massive therapy for mind and body healing and makes one happy and healthy.
- Season predictors—You can tell what season we are or what is upcoming based on the lushness or colours of leaves.
- Landmarks—It is easy to navigate roads and houses when there are trees that identify the places.
- Demotes violence—Barren homes and neighbourhoods tend to have an easy fight because of irrational behaviours against one another when they often see eye to eye. Sounds hilarious, but it is the case in some places where the level of fear is reduced when the area is finely landscaped, and trees serve as shelter or barrier for homes. During the holidays, the community becomes festive when lights on trees are lit up.
- Create a job and source of living—Trees have to be tended, fruits need to be harvested, and useless trees need to be cut for reuse for other purposes: farmers are hired to manage the farm. On the cleanup aspect, trees have to be cut, hedges have to be trimmed, stumps need to be removed, and dying trees need care—so you need tree surgeons!
- Habitat and canopy for wildlife—With the millions of animal species that exist, have you thought about where they live and how they survive? Yes, the trees in the forest are their big shelter.
Conclusion
Life with trees is a symbiotic relationship in nature. Humans exist and are codependent on trees.
The next time you think about the tree in your backyard, in the streets, parks, and in wildlife, think of the happy reasons why they stand there; think of the reasons why we need them, and they need us.
If you see problematic trees and are worried about the harm they can give to your surroundings, call our tree surgeons.
Alpine Tree Surgeons is a tree care company that handles all aspects of tree service. If it involves your property, talk to us. You can also avail of our 24-7 emergency callout; our tree surgeons will be ready to help.
Get your tree survey reports about Tree Preservation Orders if you need permission plans and documentation for specific purposes. Call us now here.
