We often talk about how planting more trees will save the planet. Sure, you might understand this on a general level. But most people don’t actually know the specific benefits of tree planting.
The restoration of global forests contributes to an overall healthier ecosystem. It’s one of the most effective ways to combat deforestation, prevent climate change, and promote biodiversity.
In this post, we’ll discuss five primary benefits of planting more trees. Then, we’ll show you how to get involved with tree planting initiatives. Let’s get to it!
5 Real Benefits of Planting More Trees
Let’s dive straight into the main benefits of planting more trees.
1. Combat Deforestation
Since the end of the last ice age (10,000 years ago), the world has lost one third of its forests.
To put that in perspective, this area equates to roughly twice the size of The United States of America. What’s even more shocking is that half of that area was cleared within the past 100 years.
Although human beings have been deforesting the globe for centuries, the rate has rapidly accelerated in recent times. Why is that?
Well, the 20th century marked an increased demand for agricultural land and fuelwood. This was also the period when tropical deforestation became prevalent across Asia and Latin America:
Naturally, the best solution to this problem is to implement deforestation bans and laws, which some governments have done. However, this can be difficult to enforce, and it doesn’t undo the damage that’s already been caused.
The next best thing is to plant more trees to recover lost forests. This helps to offset the net losses caused by deforestation.
Tree planting initiatives are already making a positive difference. In fact, net forest area losses went from 6.8 million hectares per year in 2000-2010 to 3.1 million hectares per year in 2010-2018.
2. Slow Down Climate Change
Trees keep the planet cool by absorbing harmful greenhouse gases (like carbon dioxide) and storing them in their trunks, leaves, roots, and branches.
The rate of removal depends on lots of different factors including location and forest type. In the UK, it was estimated that 18 million tonnes of CO2 was removed from the atmosphere in 2017. Meanwhile, a mature tree is thought to absorb more than 48 pounds of carbon dioxide.
One of the reasons why deforestation is so bad for the planet is that when a tree dies or gets cut down, the carbon gets released back into the atmosphere. This is mostly the case if the tree is left to rot or burned. Trees that are harvested for wood keep hold of the carbon.
3. Prevent Soil Erosion
Trees play a crucial role in capturing rainwater and preventing natural disasters like floods and landslides. Their roots act as filters: they absorb a significant amount of water, but they also decelerate the flow towards rivers, lakes, etc.
This drastically reduces the risk of over-saturation and flooding. In fact, the UN Food and Agriculture Association estimates that a mature tree is capable of intercepting more than 15,000 litres of water per year. It is also thought that deforestation played a critical role in Haiti’s flooding disasters.
On a similar note, many people don’t know that trees improve water quality. They remove pollutants including sediments and toxins before they enter waterways. This is especially important since forest ecosystems are responsible for 75 percent of renewable water supplies.
4. Improve Quality of Life
As we’ve discussed, trees remove harmful gases such as cardion dioxide, ammonia, and sulphur dioxide from the air. But what we didn’t mention is that they also make sure the atmosphere is rich with oxygen.
Not only that, but there are plenty of studies that show that trees improve physical and mental health, as well as social wellbeing. They’re linked to lower blood pressure, reduced stress levels, and improved mood.
In fact, a study by The University of Essex found that even five minutes of nature exposure can significantly reduce stress levels and increase self-esteem. Additional research has revealed that people who spend more time in nature report high levels of positivity and satisfaction.
Coverage from trees also keeps us cool, which is important in warm climates. And, large spreads of foliage even offer protection against damaging ultraviolet rays of sunlight.
5. Boost Biodiversity
Another key benefit to planting more trees is that forests provide habitats for tons of plant and animal species.
For example, open forests, made up of shrubs and young trees, make the ideal home for black bears and bluebirds. Meanwhile, older forests enable vegetation to thrive, and accommodate bats, squirrels, and birds.
One of the most devastating consequences of deforestation is the loss of flora and fauna that can’t survive in other ecosystems. Did you know that habitat loss due to rainforest destruction drives roughly 50,000 species to extinction each year?
By expanding smaller woodlands or connecting existing ones, we’re able to boost nature recovery and build wildlife corridors. On top of this, tree coverage along rivers provides vital pockets of shade for fish and other aquatic species.
How to Get Started with Tree Planting Initiatives
If you’re interested in making a difference and facilitating the planting of more trees, why not get involved with tree planting iniatives?
This enables you to oversee the restoration of forests from the comfort of your own home. You’ll get first-hand access to a dedicated team of experts who do all the heavy lifting for you.
If that sounds good, TreeLift is an excellent choice for individuals and businesses who want to contribute to cultivating a healthier planet by planting more trees:
TreeLift offers convenient subscription packages that begin with the planting of 14 trees per month. However, once you’ve set up your account, you can specify exactly how many trees you’d like to plant. And, it’s super easy to upgrade/downgrade your plan at any point.
With TreeLift, you’ll also get access to your own virtual forest where you can watch your plantation flourish over time. Plus, the support team is available 24/7 if you have any questions.
While TreeLift packages are great for individuals, there are also many good reasons for businesses to get involved with corporate tree planting schemes. In particular, it’s an excellent way to appeal to eco-conscious customers.
When you sign up to TreeLift, you can demonstrate your commitment to sustainable practices by displaying neat widgets and badges on your website. You might even leverage tree planting as part of your loyalty/referral schemes, which differentiates you from your competitors.
Conclusion
Although most of us recognize the value of tree planting, we don’t often understand the specific ways in which it helps the planet. There are several real benefits of planting more trees. For example, it prevents soil erosion, slows down climate change, and improves the quality of life for many local communities.
If you want to play a crucial role in our restoration projects, why not get started with a TreeLift subscription? At the very minimum, we’ll commit to planting 14 trees each month. And, you can keep an eye on progress via your very own virtual forest.
Featured image credit: Pexels.
