Are you looking for ways to help the environment? Have you been recycling, reusing, and upcycling? Have you been composting in the garden? Are you eating only organic produce? Are you trying to segregate your garbage well? Are you using less paper and plastic? Caring for the environment is noble advocacy that you can embrace. But while doing your share in your home is important, it is also what you do outside of it that matters most.
Do you still drive a big SUV around that burns gallons of fuel every week? Have you ever supported an arborist in Utah or other states in tree-caring activities? When was the last time you stopped and took notice of the trees lining up your street? Have you ever wondered who cares for them, as well as the trees you find in mangroves, forests, and parks?
If you want to contribute what little resources you can, consider adopting or planting a tree. Many organizations host tree-planting activities. You just have to check out the local environmental groups that remain active in pursuing this advocacy.
Improves the Quality of Air
The presence of urban forests helps improve the air you breathe. Young trees can absorb as much as 13 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions per tree each year. They can also remove toxins, contaminants, and other pollutants from the air. Do you know that streets with trees can have up to 85% fewer dust particles than those without trees?
Areas surrounded by trees are also cooler. These trees can lower surface and air temperatures because they provide shade through evapotranspiration. This is why the coolest areas of your property are those surrounded by trees.
Reduces Noise Pollution
Have you ever wondered why, even if there are a lot of people there, parks are quieter than most places in a city? It’s because of the presence of trees, flowers, shrubs, and other plants. Called sound attenuation, it is the measure of the energy loss of sound. The sound absorption properties of trees vary, but it is normal for areas with plants such as hollies and junipers to provide excellent noise reduction.
Every plant has a specific noise-reduction property. On average, broadleaf evergreens have better noise-reduction properties than narrow-leaf plants and conifers. So if you want to reduce noise pollution around your home, consider adopting one of the trees that line up your street.
Decreases Chances of Flooding
Trees are one of the best ways to combat flooding. Cities and areas with large trees tend to handle flooding better. The raindrops on leaves evaporate into the air, so less water reaches the ground. And since leaves are effective at intercepting rainfall, that slows down the rate that water gets into riverbanks and lakes. The roots of the trees can also help absorb water, further reducing the impact of flooding on waterways, sewage systems, and drainage systems.
The best thing about adopting a tree is that you don’t even have to make an actionable effort. You need to just write a check every month or quarter or year. This contribution will go into the funds needed to care for that tree. So you’re helping save the environment by only signing a check. How convenient is that?
