Trees Are the Bees' Knees and Why We Need More of Them

We champion pollination and all the thousands of species which contribute to that activity, but where would we be without trees? Or, where “wood we bee without trees?” Ha, okay, we’re bad at dad jokes, but check this out, trees are another key component to our fascinating biodiverse landscape that makes this world beautiful, balanced, and most importantly, inhabitable.

Trees play a vital role in maintaining a healthy environment in multiple ways. Here are 10 of the most important ways trees help us and the environment.

1. Air Quality Improvement

Trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) and release oxygen (O₂) through photosynthesis. This one activity traps more than 5 to 40 tons of Carbon per acre every year.

Trees filter pollutants like nitrogen oxides, ammonia, and sulfur dioxide. If you’ve changed out your air filter in your heating/AC unit, and thought, “ugh, this is gross”, then you’ll appreciate the level trees go to in making our breathable air cleaner every day. Some species, like pines, are particularly good at trapping airborne dust and smoke. Pines are especially good at trapping carbon monoxide and urban pollution.

2. Carbon Sequestration and Climate Regulation

Trees store carbon, reducing the impact of climate change. This is in addition to the early point of "absorbing CO2. They also work with fungi to trap and store carbon deep in the soil. Large trees, such as oak, maple, and pine, store significant amounts of carbon over their lifespan. They also use the carbon to create more structure: bark, fiber, leaves, and roots. And with some trees living between 200 and over 1,000 years, this is a key factor to keeping a balance in the gasses in our atmosphere. You could say that trees grow and increase their mass – out of thin air!

3. Soil Health and Erosion Control

Tree roots stabilize soil, preventing erosion. Soil erosion is a huge problem in every part of the world. Tree roots capture and hold runoff water from heavy rains, allowing the water to soak deeper into the ground.

Leaf litter from trees adds nutrients to the soil, improving fertility. Leaves also contribute to billions of beneficial insects and animals that help keep the environment thriving and in balance. Fruit trees like apple and nut trees like pecan contribute to healthy soil ecosystems. Plus, they feed pollinators and humans alike!

4. Water Conservation and Flood Control

Trees absorb rainwater and reduce surface runoff, preventing floods. This function adds to the ground water which is filtered and accessible by wells for drinking and irrigation.

Their root systems help replenish groundwater and reduce soil erosion. Ground water is essential, especially during droughts, where legacy plants and trees depend on that water storage.

5. Biodiversity and Habitat Support

Trees provide food and shelter for various animals, birds, and insects. From the upper canopies to the ground, one tree can play host to hundreds of species making it almost like a huge city for all the organisms that help keep the environment stable and healthy.

Nut trees (walnut, chestnut, pecan) and fruit trees (apple, cherry, pear) support wildlife with their fruits. Some tree species are the very first to bloom and offer nectar, pollen, and fruit to emerging species waking from a long winter’s nap. Without these tree species, we would lose over one third of our beneficial insects, reptiles, mammals, and birds. Pines and oaks are essential habitats for many species. These are some of the oldest species of trees which developed and evolved on the heels of the dinosaurs extinction.

6. Temperature Regulation

Trees provide shade, cooling urban areas and reducing the heat island effect. Studies have proven that trees in downtown urban areas can lower summer temperatures by as much as 18 degrees during the day.

Evergreens like pines and spruces act as windbreaks, reducing heating costs in winter. Planting just one tree near your home can lower cooling and electrical costs by 20% or more!

7. Sustainable Resources

Trees provide materials for construction, paper, and furniture. Trees are renewable and offer wide opportunities for commercial use. However, we must plant and maintain their health and growth to keep that delicate balance.

Walnut, oak, and pine are commonly used in woodworking. Ash trees were previously used extensively for furniture and construction, the Green Ash Beetle has resulted in that tree species to almost becoming endangered. Ashville, NC, may have to change its name!

8. Food Production

Fruit trees such as apple, orange, mango, and cherry provide fresh, nutritious food. Nut trees like almonds, pecans, and walnuts supply healthy fats and protein. In fact, there are over 70 species of trees which produce some type of food we eat.

9. Medicinal and Cultural Benefits

Many trees have medicinal properties (e.g., willow bark for pain relief). Trees have cultural and spiritual significance in many societies. 25% of medical drugs are derived from plants and thousands of those came from trees.

10. Noise Reduction

Trees act as natural sound barriers, absorbing noise pollution, especially in urban areas. One narrow row of trees can reduce noise by as much as 10 dB (decibels). This is why walking into a forest creates instant calm as it blocks out all the man-made noise and increases neg ions.

By planting a mix of fruit, nut, and pine trees, we can maximize these benefits and create a healthier planet! 🌳🍏🌰🌲 So, GET TO IT! :)