Trees are living organisms that have been around for hundreds of millions of years. Many of us know they readily absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen as a byproduct. But trees provide so much more than that. From their boughs, food can be harvested and consumed, which is a common fact. Besides giving us air and food, trees have vital ecological roles that would make life almost impossible if they didn’t exist.
Protection From The Elements
Trees help prevent flooding from root to shoot. It starts at the leaves, which act as checkpoints, slowing down the rain from reaching the ground too rapidly and causing flash floods. The plant’s roots hold the dirt in place as it is pelted with water. This simple act aids in erosion prevention and further lessens the risk/severity of flooding.
Certain varieties of them can also protect us from fires. Trees that hold considerable amounts of water are more fire-resistant than ones that hold high amounts of flammable resin. These plants also help block wind and any embers that may be traveling on it. While this might not necessarily stop the progress of a raging wildfire, it may help slow down the spread long enough for any humans in the area to get to safety and therefore save their lives.
Air Air Everywhere
As previously mentioned, trees produce oxygen, which is a vital gas in the survival of most living creatures on Earth. But the extent to which trees specifically benefit us is phenomenal. Alone, they produce almost 30% of all the oxygen in the atmosphere. In an article by Gabrielle Clawson, it is stated that a single mature oak tree can produce approximately 100,000 liters of oxygen per year. When conducting the math, it highlights that the plant can likely support approximately two humans’ gaseous needs per day.
Trees don’t just stop at giving us breathable air, but they also assist in purifying it. Certain particulate matter in the air, such as dust, soot, etc, can negatively affect humans’ health. Using themselves as physical barriers, these plants work to capture those small particles and remove them from the air before they even have a chance to invade your lungs and cause issues. The benefits are amplified when there’s a higher concentration in a certain area.
Those beautiful green giants not only help remove particles in the air, but they also assist in extracting harmful gases from the atmosphere, some of which make up smog. Components of smog, such as O3, Nitrogen Dioxide, and Sulfur Dioxide, are major contributors to respiratory issues worldwide. These can include asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. Trees combat this by directly absorbing these harmful gases and reducing the total amount of harmful gases present in the area.
Final Thoughts
There is no doubt that trees are vital in protecting humans from a variety of negative events. Not only do they act as physical barriers for wildfires, but trees also absorb harmful gases and particulates that can take a massive toll on humans and the environment in which they live. It is quite important in an ever-evolving society that we remember how much we need natural resources to survive and thrive as a species. Subsequently, it is up to us to save the trees.
