I have always loved trees. They are much more than plants to me. When I was a kid in Winslow, Camden County, our crowded home sometimes felt overwhelming. The forests nearby offered a peaceful escape.
Trees became part of a larger world filled with streams, lakes, wind, and wildlife. In winter, the forest floor was covered in soft pine needles that soaked up sunlight and warmth. It was like having a cozy, natural blanket to snuggle in. You could find a sunny spot beneath the trees, where it felt warm and welcoming even on the coldest days.
In summer, trees provided much-needed coolness. A single tree in a city can lower temperatures by up to 25 degrees. I noticed this last summer when the Department of Recreation, Natural Resources, & Culture trimmed trees along Franklin Street. One tree that provided shade was removed, and I felt the difference. My porch quickly turned into a hot spot, making my living room feel stuffy. I had to turn on a fan to find some relief.
According to Ellen Montgomery, the director of Public Lands Campaign for the Environment America Research & Policy Center, urban trees benefit both people and wildlife. They keep our environment healthy and bring us joy. She highlighted that cities often face higher temperatures and worse air quality compared to rural areas. By planting more trees in our parks and neighborhoods, we can tackle these issues.
Montgomery pointed out that areas with fewer trees often experience more extreme heat, leading to what are called heat islands. Trees help make our environment more pleasant by providing shade and cooling the air. This is especially important as climate change increases the frequency of extreme heat.
Environment America emphasizes numerous benefits of urban trees:
- Reducing heat: Trees can lower surface temperatures by up to 40%, helping prevent heat-related illnesses.
- Reducing flooding: Trees absorb and filter rainwater, which helps manage stormwater runoff.
- Improving air quality: They help clean the air by absorbing harmful gases like ozone and nitrogen dioxide.
- Reducing noise pollution: Trees can cut down noise levels significantly, making neighborhoods quieter.
- Storing carbon: Trees capture carbon dioxide, which helps combat climate change.
- Providing oxygen: An acre of trees can produce enough oxygen for 18 people each day.
- Improving health: Spending time around trees and nature is linked to better physical and mental health.
- Creating jobs: Urban forestry creates job opportunities for arborists and tree care workers.
In addition, trees encourage outdoor activities, help reduce stormwater runoff, and can lower energy usage in buildings. They even cool our waterways, making them more enjoyable.
Trees are essential for a healthier, happier community. They provide beauty, comfort, and numerous environmental benefits. Let’s appreciate and protect these vital natural resources.
L.A. Parker is a columnist for Trentonian. You can find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or reach him via email at LAParker@Trentonian.com.
