Trees (Do we understand how important they are?)
Do you remember as a child, sitting under a big tree safe from the sun? Perhaps reading, maybe playing with friends, or just sitting and listening to the breeze as it rustles the leaves. Do you recall the wonder you had as you watched this tree and those around it grow, change colors in the autumn, fall dormant in the winter and come back to life the next summer?
As children we see trees differently. We see them as majestic beings who allow us to climb them and rest between their branches. As children we view trees with wonderment. We do not always understand why, but we know they are important.
Trees are living beings of this planet. They are the guardians of the soil and the air. They provide shelter and homes for the birds and animals, not to mention the shade and fascination they provide to little children.
We may understand that trees convert carbon dioxide to sugars and as a biproduct produce oxygen. We may understand that human impact on this earth has been to create excessive amounts of carbon dioxide thus impacting our climate. But do we view trees as the answer to our climate crisis? Ok maybe not the only answer but they are an important part of the answer.
A typical tree can absorb approximately 21 kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year. Over its lifetime one tree could absorb approximately a ton of CO2. So, it is true that if a single tree absorbs approximately 21 kilograms of CO2, then every tree we remove reduces the carbon absorption by the same amount and we now must find alternate ways to deal with that carbon.
Trees also enhance soil health by drawing nitrogen from the air and transferring it to the soil through their roots and leaf litter, replenishing exhausted soils with rich sources of organic nutrients. They can also bring nutrients from deep in the soil to aid crops with shallow roots. Farms that are surrounded by trees require less chemicals to help our food grow.
Trees have a family structure and in a single forest, a Mother Tree can be connected to hundreds of other trees. The Mother Tree sends carbon to other seedlings in the neighborhood as well. Additional research has shown that large hub trees (that we call Mother Trees) transmit carbon through the mycorrhizal network to young seedlings in need.
So, while planting one tree may not seem like it makes much of a difference, keep in mind that it is the beginning of something bigger. Once upon a time no one recycled and some thought how can one person make an impact on waste reduction – but we have – most communities, individuals and more importantly industries use recycling programs to cut down on waste and reduce pollution. Although we, as individuals, are not solely responsible in clear-cutting forests, we can all take time for thought regarding what it is that trees can do for our planet. And yes, plant a tree for your children and your children’s children and every future generation.
Manicured lawns are a thing of the past. Biodiverse properties will help save our planet.
References
The Mothertree Project. Org, https://mothertreeproject.org/about-mother-trees-in-the-forest
https://www.nwf.org/Trees-for-Wildlife/About/Trees-Make-a-Difference