Plants, stalks, or trees -- or what about plants stalking trees? Haha, no, we know that wasn't funny. Still, it's a pretty valid question when wondering what to do with a backyard garden. All of the above is welcome though in the many sustainable agricultural techniques available though (i.e. intercropping). For now, we'll focus on fruit trees and the many benefits of having them.
We're sure you already know plenty of the benefits already though with the story of Johnny Appleseed, but still, here's a list of benefits that we compiled. Basically, trees can...
Pretty genius, right? Trees really are useful though they take up a lot of space.
We're sure you already know plenty of the benefits already though with the story of Johnny Appleseed, but still, here's a list of benefits that we compiled. Basically, trees can...
- Absorb at least 48 pounds of CO2 per year and sequester a ton of CO2 by the time it is 40 years old, reducing the effects of global warming and releasing oxygen back into the air
- Purify the air by absorbing odors and pollutants like SO2, O3, NOx, and NH3
- Provide oxygen to breathe in -- the most useful to us and all life
- Cool urban environments by covering dark pavements and roofs with leafy foliage, breaking up urban "heat islands"
- Conserve energy by cutting down need for air conditioning
- Save water since the shade slows water evaporation from lawns and transpiration increases atmospheric moisture
- Purify water as well as reduces runoff and flowing storm water, recharging groundwater supplies
- Prevents soil erosion and landslides, providing a underground structure to hold soil in place
- Increase property values with aesthetic beauty
- Become the basis of tree houses and swings for children to play upon
- Prevents skin cancer by reducing UV radiation
- Provides food for both humans and wildlife fauna
- Heals psychologically, reducing mental fatigue and aiding concentration
- Reduce violence by reducing level of fear
- Mark the seasons through the colors and variations trees go through
- Provide inspiration to people needing rejuvenated creative and spiritual juices
- Provide habitats for fauna
- Muffle noise pollution
- Increase business traffic by slowing transportation traffic, making drivers look around
- Make products like wood carvings, paper, etc.
Pretty genius, right? Trees really are useful though they take up a lot of space.