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10 Benefits of Trees Everyone Should Know

Besides helping us figure out what season we’re in, trees provide a wealth of benefits not just to your yard but also your wallet and even your neighborhood’s crime rate! Ever since we learned about photosynthesis in a grade school science class, we’ve appreciated trees for giving us the air we breathe and absorbing the harmful gases that we can definitely do without.

So, while there are a myriad of reasons to run out and hug a tree right now, we’re breaking it down into ten ways that trees make our lives better.

Top 10 Environmental and Social Benefits of Trees

1. Trees give out the good.

Did you know that one acre of trees can produce enough oxygen for 18 people every day? One large tree on your street can produce enough oxygen for you and three neighbors (choose wisely). Trees are always hard at work creating an ecosystem that provides sufficient habitats and food supply for birds and animals. Also, the microclimates created by trees helps provide the shade for certain plants to thrive.

2. Trees take out the bad.

In a year, an acre of trees can cancel out the carbon dioxide produced by driving 26,000 miles. Trees work hard absorbing CO2 and other harmful gases like sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide by filtering the air and trapping the pollutants on their leaves and bark. Trees do their part to reduce the greenhouse effect and stall climate change.

3. Trees keep you cool

Who needs air conditioners when the shade from a tree can cool the area by an estimated 10 degrees? By blocking sunlight and evaporating water from the leaves’ surface, trees remove heat energy from the air and act as a natural AC unit. A healthy tree can shield your home from the sun and even lower your utility bills by as much as 30% in the summer.

4. Trees conserve water

Besides being a natural water filter by reducing runoff, trees can stave off flooding and soil erosion by absorbing water at an alarming rate. A whole forest, for example, can take on about 20,000 gallons of water an hour during a heavy storm. Their shade helps slow the evaporation process so they don’t stay thirsty.

5. Trees increase your home value.

Looking for a better return on investment? Trees not only improve the landscaping of your dream house, but they can also add anywhere from 15 – 28% more value to your property. That greenspace and shade lead to more activities outdoor and more privacy from the neighbors. Similarly, apartments in a wooded area rent a lot quicker than barren buildings.

6. Trees increase your business value.

Trees can solve our economy woes. Besides creating jobs themselves (orchards, green waste management, landscaping, etc.), having a tree line outside your business has been proven to attract customers. People tend to linger and shop longer when trees are around thanks to the serene, tranquil feeling they put out. They also increase community tax revenues and reduce vacancy rates.

7. Trees reduce violence in your neighborhood.

Less trees = more violence. Yes, unfortunately it’s been proven that areas that are barren of trees are more susceptible to violent incidents than tree-filled areas. Despite there being more places to hide, a well landscaped business or home provides a safer environment. With the presence of trees comes the feeling of community which develops a network of support amongst neighbors.

8. Trees produce food.

You don’t have to be Isaac Newton to know that there’s apples up there. Trees can kick out around 15-20 bushels of fruit per year making it an inexpensive way to find an afternoon snack, whether you fancy apples, oranges, bananas, coconuts, cherries, mangos, peaches, pears, plums, or pomegranates.

9. Trees keep skin cancer away.

Your sunglasses can only do so much, and since skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the US, trees have to step in to protect us. They’ve been estimated to reduce UV-B exposure by roughly 50% thanks to their canopy. Even hospital stays are shortened when patients have a view of nearby trees or forestry.

10. Trees provide necessary wood and shelter.

Let’s not forget that we wouldn’t have gotten very far without using the wood from felled trees to create our homes and tree forts and start the fires that keep us warm and cook our food. Now, thanks to their natural ecosystem, trees continue to improve air quality, sequester carbon, conserve energy, reduce erosion, and provide a pleasant habitat for wildlife.

So what are you waiting for? Go plant a tree or kick on the hose and give a drink to those beautiful saplings, shrubs and softwoods you have in the backyard. They certainly deserve it after all that hard work! And if you need help maximizing the impact that your trees can make, give St. Louis Tree Pros a call for a free consultation and we’ll explain the different ways to improve your tree care.