Renewable Revolution

Do Trees Boost Your Health & Happiness?

Posted on June 19, 2014
 

Whether you walk in the park, go on nature hikes, or simply take a moment to step outside, trees are the unsung heroes that help improve your quality of life.


Beautiful tall trees in Minnesota.
Credit: Nathan Carlson via WeatherBug Photos

Trees and the Air/Atmosphere

It begins with the air we breathe – Trees perform vital services by sucking in carbon dioxide (CO2) and emitting oxygen (O2) for humans and other creatures to breathe. They are also top-notch air cleaners; One acre of trees produces enough oxygen for 18 people to breathe each day.   


Not only do trees perform these services, but trees store CO2 and nitrogen dioxide (a byproduct of combustion) in its roots. When they are cut down, all those additional toxins are released into the atmosphere.

Despite the fact that we have various mechanical devices to clean these gases out of the air, they are costly and require a lot of energy to use. Planting acres of trees to do the same job is actually hundreds of dollars cheaper, and have many other benefits as well.



Trees surround a pond in Boston.
Credit: Hans Dietrich via WeatherBug Photos

Trees benefit YOU

In ADDITION to these services, trees help humans in more ways than we know. Trees have long been symbols of protection, strength, and life itself.

Trees can help your wallet – by providing shade for your house, they can help lower your energy bills by reducing the amount of energy needed to cool your home.

Their roots help slow erosion, filter groundwater, and help curb the amount of dirt that goes into rivers and water systems.

Trees are also valiant warriors in the battle for public health. Being around trees can reduce stress, lower your blood pressure, and decrease your heart rate. Tree-shaded sidewalks help encourage people to walk and exercise more.

Studies even show that hospital patients with a view of trees from their room heal faster. 



Leaves in a forest in springtime.
Credit: Gunnar Grimnes via Flickr

These big, beautiful trees near where you live could be helping you more than you know; they make neighborhoods feel safer, and there is even a link between greener urban areas and lower levels of graffiti, property crime, and violent crime.

So why not go green and plant a tree today?