Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, provide shelter for wildlife and even improve our mental health. But did you know that they can “talk” to each other and send “distress signals” if they are in danger?why is trees important
Why is Trees Important
We’ve compiled a selection of 11 surprising facts about trees. As, why is trees important
1. Almost 60,000 Different Types
According to a study by Yale University, there are about 3 trillion trees on Earth. More than 60,000 known species, more than half of which are endemic, that is, found in only one country.
The bad news is that there are 46% fewer trees today than at the dawn of human civilization.
2. Trees “Migrate” To Avoid Climate Change
Trees, of course, cannot move, but their growing places can move over time under the influence of climatic factors. The study, which examined 86 tree species in the eastern United States between 1980 and 2015, found that 73% of them have moved west, where rainfall is increasing.
On average, they moved about 16 km per decade.
3. Maintaining Coolness in Cities
Trees not only provide shade but also reduce extreme temperatures through transpiration – they absorb sunlight and release water into the air through their leaves.
According to a 2019 U.S. study, afforestation could reduce summer temperatures in cities by 5 degrees Celsius by at least 40%.
4. Absorption of Pollutants
Trees absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and therefore play an important role in the fight against climate change. The leaves filter particles and toxic gases such as nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide from the air.
According to a recent British study, birch, yew, and elderberry reduced dust spread by 79%, 71%, and 70%, respectively.
5. Healing Properties
Trees reduce stress levels and help us feel happier and healthier. Numerous studies have shown that spending time in nature or simply watching trees or flowers through a window can lower blood pressure, strengthen the immune system, improve sleep, reduce depression and anxiety, and even speed up recovery from surgery.
6. Trees “Talk” To Each Other
Forests have their own communication systems – almost like the underground Internet – that allow trees to exchange nutrients and warn of drought or disease.
They communicate with each other through networks of fungi living in the soil known as mycorrhizal networks. Research by ecologist Suzanne Simard has shown that paper birch and spruce use this system to send water, carbon, and nutrients. So thats, why is trees important
7. Sending Signals Over The Air
Trees cannot escape if their leaves are devoured by a hungry herbivore. However, they release chemicals into the air – volatile organic compounds – that alert nearby members of the same species of danger.
Research shows that other trees react by increasing the production of toxins, making their leaves bitter.
8. Calling Support
When insects or parasites attack plants, some species, including apples and tomatoes, cucumbers and beans, release substances into the air to warn the attacking predators. Caterpillar-infested trees also emit chemical signals to attract caterpillar-eating birds such as the great tit.
9. Methuselah – The Oldest Tree
Trees are the oldest living organisms on Earth. The oldest known plant is a shrub in the White Mountains of California.His name is Methuselah, he is about 4850 years old.
10. Hyperion is A Giant
The tallest known tree is the coastal sequoia named Hyperion, which is 115.85 meters tall – taller than Big Ben and the Statue of Liberty. This giant was discovered in California in 2006 and is believed to be hundreds of years old.
11. Other Record Holders
California also has a giant pine named General Sherman – the largest living tree in terms of volume. Height – 83.8 m, diameter – 7.7 m. The title of the widest tree in the world was won by Arbol del Tule from Montezuma, Mexico.
It has a diameter of 11.6 m and a circumference of 42 m. So thats, why is trees important
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