What does planting one tree do?
By Chris Tilley
Trees are the lungs of the planet. First the tree breathes in carbon dioxide, stores the carbon and exhales oxygen. This is done through photosynthesis that all plant life uses to grow. The amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by a tree over the life of the tree differs greatly dependent on the type of tree and what they are using for the lifespan of the tree. Pine trees can live to 1000 year while Aspens live around 150. The Aspens grow a lot faster than the Pines and thus take in more carbon dioxide per year but live a shorter life. The end result is the 10-15 tonnes per tree in its life time as stated in the Run For One Planet Store.
Trees have many other benefits. A study of a 212 hectare park the trees where found to be daily removing:
- 48lbs. particulates
- 9 lbs nitrogen dioxide
- 6 lbs sulfur dioxide
- 2 lb carbon monoxide (source)
They also can remove cadmium, chromium, nickel and lead. Trees also improve our water quality. They reduce runoff; absorb nutrients that can pollute our water ways like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These are common fertilizer component and can cause problems in our waterways and oceans. The shade and transpiration of urban trees help reduce the urban heat islands. Trees on the side of the road can actually slow traffic and improve safety.
In talking about this article my son (6) over heard and commented that ‘Trees are part of the community’ and ‘when we cut one down we need to plant another one’. After the call I asked him what he meant by trees being part of the community. His answer was that we build things from them and that was why we needed to plant new ones and they are home to birds and other animals. We had a good conversation about the other benefits of forests. His comment ‘Trees are part of the community’ got me thinking. I hadn’t though of them that way but it really does work. Can you imagine your community without trees? Does your community value its trees? Arbor Day started in 1872 in Nebraska and today is celebrated in many countries with the planting of trees.(source)
[…] Some of them can be quite enlightening like the ‘Trees are part of our community’ from ‘What does planting one tree do?’. In some cases I don’t know the answer in which case we turn to […]
Pingback by Run For One Planet Blog » Teach Your Children Well — Sunday, September 28, 2008 @ 9:03 pm
It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d without a doubt donate to this outstanding blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to new updates and will share this website with my Facebook group. Chat soon!
Comment by Mitsue Cronce — Sunday, May 1, 2011 @ 9:20 am