Did you know that trees are some of the oldest living things on this planet? Or that one average-sized tree can provide enough oxygen for a family of four for an entire year? Trees are not only beautiful to look at – they are necessary components of our fragile ecosystem.
One tree, two tree, three tree, four:
One of the oldest living trees is said to be over 80,000 years old. Yes, 80,000 years old! Trees are the lungs of our planet; by breathing in toxic carbon dioxide and breathing out precious life-giving oxygen – they sustain much of life. But trees are not only used for oxygen, they are also used for thousands of products; its wood is used in paper products and for building homes. Trees also provide food and shelter for wildlife such as birds, squirrels, and numerous other animals.
Facts on Trees:
By planting 20 million trees, the earth and its people would receive 260 million more tons of oxygen – and would remove 10 million tons of carbon dioxide from our atmosphere.
Annually, an acre of trees absorbs the amount of carbon dioxide equal to driving your car 26,000 miles.
Trees absorb pollutant gases such as nitrogen oxides, ozone, ammonia and sulfur dioxide.
Trees cool cities by up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, by providing shade and releasing water.
Trees reduce urban runoff and erosion by storing water and breaking the force of rain as it falls. The USDA reports that 100 mature trees can reduce runoff caused by rainfall by up to 100,000 gallons.
U.S. Forest Service scientists and collaborators calculated that trees are saving more than 850 human lives a year – and preventing over 670,000 incidences of acute respiratory symptoms.
Trees need about 15 gallons of water per week to survive.
Three trees planted around buildings (in the right places) can cut air-conditioning costs by up to 50%.
