Environmental Health
Improve air quality
Trees help trap and hold particle pollutants such as dust, pollen and smoke that can damage our lungs. Trees remove pollutants by absorbing them through the pores in the leaf surface. Particulates are trapped and filtered by leaves, stems and twigs, and washed to the ground by rainfall. Trees also absorb CO2 and other dangerous gasses and replenish the atmosphere with oxygen. Yearly, one acre of trees absorbs enough CO2 to offset a car driven 26, 000 miles and produces enough oxygen for 18 people.
Filter water
Trees help keep water clean and drinkable. When non-point source pollution such as oil, fertilizers, and sediment get washed away with the rain, tree roots can trap and filter out the contaminants before they affect the water supply.
Reduce runoff
100 mature trees can intercept 100,000 gallons of rainfall per year. The rain falls on the canopy, catching the water and allowing it to gently drip to the ground or evaporate. This lessens street flooding and soil erosion.
Provide wildlife habitat
Wherever trees are established, wildlife and other plants are sure to follow. Trees and associated plants provide shelter and food for a variety of birds and small animals. The presence of trees creates an environment that allows the growth of plants that otherwise would not be there, enhancing the diversity.
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