The Benefits of Trees
Trees do their part - let's do ours!
Trees offer numerous benefits, but in Kern County in the heat of the
summer, perhaps the biggest benefit of all is shade which leads to
greater comfort. Before air conditioning, shade trees were the natural
coolants, dropping temperatures 10 degrees, and keeping the environment
under 100 F. As urban sprawl increased, so did asphalt parking areas,
also known as "heat islands" because they absorb heat and radiate 10
degrees of heat into the immediate surroundings. By dropping
temperatures, shade trees do their part in making us more comfortable
in summer.
We have a very special relationship with trees, don't we? We are
totally dependent on breathing the oxygen that they produce, just like
they are dependent on us for the carbon dioxide that we exhale. Where
would we be without each other? Trees improve the quality of the air we
breathe by trapping dust particles harmful to our lungs. Leaves absorb
carbon dioxide and poisonous gases and replenish the atmosphere with
pure air. One acre of trees provides enough oxygen to support 18 people.
Here are other ways trees work for us each day.
Trees save energy by throwing shade in summer and breaking wind in
winter. As a result, we burn less fossil fuels for heating and cooling.
Trees strategically placed around buildings can reduce air conditioning
needs by 30% and save 20% to 50% in heating costs.
Trees reduce noise pollution by absorbing unpleasant sounds from the urban environment.
Trees increase economic stability
by attracting and keeping businesses in a community. Research shows
that people linger and shop longer along tree-lined streets. Apartments
and offices rent more quickly and tenants stay longer in wooded areas.
Healthy, mature trees increase property values 10% to 20% and
accelerate the sale of properties.
Trees improve personal health
by relieving psychological stresses. In a high nature environment,
violence is less frequently used to resolve conflict. Medical research
shows that patients in rooms with a view of trees and green open spaces
recover more quickly.
Trees improve water quality
by reducing the impact of raindrops on the ground, resulting in less
runoff and erosion. Wooded areas help prevent the transport of sediment
and chemicals into streams.
Trees promote wildlife diversity by creating cover and habitats for animals, birds and butterflies that would otherwise be absent from urban areas.
Trees add beauty by
softening the harsh lines of urban architecture. Trees often give
visitors the first positive impressions of a community. Picture your
town without trees. Is it still a place where you would like to live?
Trees improve the quality of life for all of us - now, and in the years
ahead.
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