A tribute to trees

They make us take root to the earth, and alsoleaves that help to enrich the soil and provides a
encourage us to look at the sky. (The best timeplace where microorganisms proliferate;   they
to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The secondreject oxygen into the atmosphere;   they
best time is now.) Proverb.ameliorate the air quality by filtering dust and
The trees are magnificent gifts of creation thatabsorbing ozone, carbon monoxide, sulphur
enrich our lives beyond all considerations. Theirdioxide, nitrogen oxides, ammonia and heavy
splendid canopy attenuated the summer heat,metals in suspension. The Economic benefices of
while sheltering us against the winter winds andtrees     Trees contribute effectively to
warm us. Trees are the lungs of the earth,moderate the extreme temperatures and reduce
because they provide the oxygen necessary forthe costs of heating and air conditioning. But the
life and absorb carbon dioxide that threatens theeconomic benefits of trees; doesn't stop here.
stability of our climate. Trees are a living link withAccording to a study return on investment for
the past, acting as conventions betweeneach dollar spent on trees is three dollars for each
generations. The oldest trees on earth are thetree, in terms of benefits for the community.  
Sequoias with yew leaves from California. TheyThree trees planted strategically around a house
can reach up to 66 feet high, many of thosecan reduce the heating costs by 10 to 30
giants are over 3000 years old, dating back topercent, and air conditioning costs by 10 to 50
the bygone era of the Mayans and the pharaohs.percent.   The addition of each 5 percent of
The contemporary Sequoias are distant relativesforest cover to a community decreases runoff
of trees that were existing 100 million years agofrom rainwater by 2 percent, thereby reducing
when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Trees help usthe need for costly infrastructure   Three trees
to take our root on Earth, but also theycan cool entire neighbourhoods by rejecting
encourage us to look at the sky, and are showingmoisture in the air and by shading asphalted
us possibilities that only us can ever imagine.surfaces like parking lots, sidewalks and streets.  
Some smaller and fragile shoots are helping toA large specimen tree can increase the value of a
extend the life of trees encouraging them to toproperty by 10 percent. Social and community
reach extreme heights so that some of thosebenefits of trees     Encourages outdoor
older trees can literally reach into the heavens.activities.   Provide shade and shelter while
The trees environmental beneficesreducing the stress of urban environments.  
The environmental benefits of trees areProvide protection against solar ultraviolet radiation.
substantial:  Helps to absorb high noises sound frequencies.
 they filter out toxic pollutants from the  Gives us a sense of belonging somewhere.  
atmosphere through their leaves and thoseEncourages outdoor classroom.   Inspires
contained in the groundwater using their roots  creativity and spirituality.   Provide beautiful
they contribute in the reduction of flooding; theyneighbourhoods where people can take walks, or
ameliorate the quality of water runoff by slowingcycle, planting trees encourage local sense of
down the water runoff and by trapping, using orcommunity and properties.   cause traffic to slow
illuminating their pollutants;down.   Helps to heal.
 they reduce soil erosion;   they produce dead