Happy April! This month on April 27th we will celebrate Arbor Day; a day in which groups of people are encouraged to come together to plant and care for trees. In honor of Arbor Day, we wanted to share why it is so important to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees.

Ecological and Environmental Value. Trees contribute to their environment by providing oxygen, improving air quality, climate amelioration, conserving water, preserving soil, and supporting wildlife. During the process of photosynthesis, trees take in carbon dioxide and produce the oxygen we breathe.

Trees also control climate by moderating the effects of the sun, rain, and wind. For example, leaves absorb and filter the sun’s energy, keeping things cool in the summer. Trees also shield us from the downfall of rain, sleet, and hail.

Above and below ground, trees are important to the eco-systems in which they reside. Roots from trees hold soil in place and fight erosion. Trees absorb and store rainwater which reduces runoff and sediment deposit after storms. This helps prevent the transport of chemicals into streams and prevents flooding.

Beyond the environmental value that trees provide, trees are also a source of nourishment for many life forms including elephants, koalas, and giraffes, giving them ecological value as well.

Community and Social Value. Trees are an important part of any community. Our streets, park, neighborhoods, and backyards are filled with trees that create a peaceful and aesthetically pleasing environment. Trees increase our quality of life by bringing elements of wildlife into urban settings. They provide shade for outdoor activities and to buildings that otherwise might be very hot during the summer.

In addition, many towns are home to very old trees that serve as historic landmarks and are a great source of town pride.

Property and Economic Value. A well-maintained landscape that includes trees has a great effect on property value. Cooling costs are reduced in homes that are shaded by trees, and heating costs are lowered because trees serve as a windbreak. According to the USDA Forest Service, “Trees properly placed around buildings can reduce air conditioning needs by 30% and save 20-50% in energy used for heating.”

Property value also increases with well-maintained landscapes. The value of a home with a nice landscape is usually about 20% higher than that of a home with no landscaping or a not well-maintained landscape.

Get Involved This Arbor Day

As one can see, there are lots of great reasons to plant and care for trees. So, why not get involved this Arbor Day and make a world of a difference? Below are some ways you can take action and get involved this Arbor Day.

Volunteer. By volunteering, you play an important role in tree planting or tree care projects within your community. There is a job for everyone, and it’s easy to make a small difference in your community. If you are wanting to organize a tree planting project, the Arbor Day Foundation has an easy guide for you to follow to do so, you can find it here.

Donate. The Arbor Day Foundation also encourages everyone to support tree planting efforts around the world. They, just like us, recognize trees as a solution to many problems facing our world today. To help improve communities and replant our nation’s forests, you can donate here.

Share the Love. Spread awareness about Arbor Day! By sharing this post on social media channels or posting about an event that you are organizing, you make more people aware of Arbor Day and just how important it is for us to come together. So, spread the word!

We here at Voss Land & Tree hope that all of you can find a way to celebrate Arbor Day this year, no matter how big or small your contribution is. If you have any more questions regarding our services, the importance of trees, or just have a general question, don’t hesitate to contact us.