Trees are very important in our ecosystem. We need trees for so many reasons which include shelter and protection. They also produce oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide which makes it easier for humans to breathe.
Furthermore, trees give us timber, wood and even papyrus that has become instrumental to the invention of paper. For instance, pines, spruces, birch, and hickory are all popular trees used in making paper. It can be said that trees are very essential to every living thing on earth.
Fun facts about trees
Approximately, there are over 3 million mature trees around the world. In some cultures, trees are revered and they play important roles in myths and legends.
Some trees can even live for thousands of years. Bearing that in mind, here are 10 fun facts about trees
1. A tree named Pando is the oldest living organism in the world with an age of 80,000 years.
Located in the Fremont River Ranger District of the Fishlake National Forest, Pando spans 106 acres and is the largest tree by weight, the largest tree by landmass, as well as the largest known aspen clone.
Aspen is a common name for some tree species that move with the slightest wind. The Pando tree was identified in 1976 by Jerry Kemperman and Burton Barnes. Above the ground, Pando looks like individual trees but underground, they’re all connected under the root
2. An average size tree produces enough oxygen in one year to keep a family of four breathing.
Because of photosynthesis in trees, carbon dioxide is used and oxygen is released into the air. This helps in keeping a constant and abundant supply of oxygen in the air, and helps living things breathe.
Furthermore, the leaves of trees can trap different poisonous gases, like nitrogen oxides, ammonia, and sulphur. This serves as a natural detox for the environment and keeps it clean. In short, trees play a major role in keeping air breathable especially in cities where pollution can be concentrated.
3.Trees planted near buildings can decrease air conditioning needs.
According to the USDA Forest Service, “Strategically placed trees save up to 56 percent on annual air-conditioning costs.” Property values of homes with well-maintained landscapes are up to 20% higher than others. Former Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwel also mentioned that trees in urban areas beautify neighbourhoods and provide great economic benefits.
4. The rings you see when you cut down a tree are called tree rings which can reveal a tree’s age.
The tree rings have been very instrumental in giving insights to data that has been used to explain drought and temperature in North America and Europe. Furthermore, tree rings can explain weather history, location the tree grew and the age
5. Studies have shown that patients who have a view of trees outside their window actually heal faster.
According to Scientific American, it was reported that patients with bedside windows looking at trees healed faster, needed less pain medication and had fewer postsurgical complications than patients who instead saw a brick wall. This shows that nature is very important to healing and growth. In fact, the benefits of being around nature can be soothing that even pictures of nature have a calming effect.
6. Adding one tree to an open pasture can increase bird biodiversity from zero species to 80.
A 10 year study in Costa Rica by researchers at Stanford discovered that adding a single tree to pasture could increase the number of bird species from almost zero to 80. This means that trees provide a safe haven for many species and prevent extinction.
7. Trees increase the value of a property.
Houses surrounded by trees sell for 18-25% higher than houses with no trees. Basically, trees are economically important and improve the standard of living especially in urban cities with dense population
8. By planting 20 million trees, the earth will be provided with 260 million more tons of oxygen.
To put things into perspective, one tree produces nearly 260 pounds of oxygen each year and two mature trees can provide enough oxygen for a family of four. What this means is that planting 20 million trees will provide 260 million tons of enough oxygen for every living organism. To be candid, that’s enough to help with climate change.
9. Trees have their own unique scents!
Have you ever noticed that fresh, earthy smell in the woods after it rains? That’s called “petrichor,” and it comes from oils that trees release. It’s their way of adding a little natural fragrance to the atmosphere and that’s why when it rains, the air is cool and fresh. That’s because of trees.
10. Trees improve water quality.
As rain falls to the Earth, it is slowed and filtered by trees, helping it soak into the soil. Trees then serve as natural sponges, collecting and filtering rainwater and releasing it slowly into streams and rivers. They also prevent soil from eroding into our waterways, and lessen flood damage.
