Why Plant Trees: 10 Reasons to Do It

In Italy, according to experts' estimates, 6,5 million trees will be planted in the coming years. Primarily by private citizens. We can all do it, anywhere: in our own gardens, but also on shared streets, in private condominiums, or in public squares. Planting a tree is truly a simple gesture, as long as we respect the rules if we are in a non-private space, and it is of great value. In fact, there are at least ten good reasons , all scientifically proven, that justify the need to plant trees.

Index of topics

Oasis of shade

Trees create a natural cool area, where both the elderly and children can find refuge, especially in the summer months. This feature is particularly valuable in a historical cycle of global warming : trees act as a natural barrier against ever-rising temperatures. Thanks to the shade they provide, trees reduce the urban heat island effect in cities and lower local temperatures. Furthermore, their transpiration helps regulate air humidity.

Oxygen factories

There's another element that links trees to the fight against global warming. Every plant limits the increase in CO2 through the process of photosynthesis: it absorbs water and carbon dioxide and transforms them into oxygen using energy from the sun's rays. To give an idea of the power of trees as oxygen producers, just remember that a single adult plant produces an amount of oxygen equivalent to the needs of ten people in a year.

They clean air and water

A single plant can absorb, over the course of a year, between 20 and 50 kilograms of carbon dioxide. Furthermore, a tree absorbs, and therefore eliminates for our breathing, between 100 and 250 grams of fine particulate matter , and one hectare of trees can clean the air equivalent to 20 kilograms of smog and dust. As for water, trees act as filters: they clean it and strengthen the soil. One of the disastrous effects of deforestation, even in some Italian regions, is the exponential increase in damage caused by floods or torrential rains. Where there are no trees to filter the water, this is particularly true.

They improve the aesthetics of places

Trees change the aesthetics of places. This avenue can be used for a driveway, a street, or even a home garden or apartment building. Wherever there's a tree, any building becomes more beautiful, more pleasant to live in and look at. And this has a direct impact on property value: if you notice, real estate agents always highlight cases where an apartment is surrounded by trees. Or is located in a particularly green area of the city: in this case, its rental and/or sale price increases.

A refuge for birds

Birds couldn't live without trees, where they spend much of their time and engage in social interaction. So even in the city, trees provide us with the pleasure of birdsong and their company. Conversely, the greenery of trees keeps mosquitoes at bay.

An incentive to walk and be outdoors

Living next to a tree, or at least within walking distance of it, encourages you to get out of the house often, even just to get some fresh air. The tree encourages you to go for a walk (another verb that translates to "a bath of well-being"), and to frequent places, like parks or public gardens, where it's easier to socialize.

Trees are natural antidepressants

A recent German study, coordinated by the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research and published in the journal Scientific Reports , has demonstrated how living near trees translates, for the community, into a significant decrease in antidepressant use. The researchers examined data from over 9 residents of Leipzig, Saxony, and were able to demonstrate the correlation between greenery near the home and good mental health. Even in apartment buildings, trees have this effect on our psyche. If we stand by the window and gaze at a tree instead of the usual patch of concrete, our eyes relax and our aggression levels decrease.

They protect the soil

Unfortunately, Italy holds a sad European record: it is the country in the Union where land consumption has been the most severe and continuous in recent decades. The only concrete means of resistance against this devastation and soil erosion is to plant trees. Everywhere. Small strongholds to protect the soil.

They protect against noise pollution

This is also a protective element of the tree: it can absorb noise, like a natural barrier, and thus reduces the risk of noise pollution . Consider this: homes closer to green areas are quieter, and enjoy a "forest effect." The greenery surrounding them, especially the plants, muffles any sound. And they make the environment around our homes more pleasant.

A biodiversity garrison

If you examine each tree closely, you'll discover that it's not just populated by birds. There are insects, small invertebrates, rodents, and various types of moss. A natural world, where everything is connected under the banner of biodiversity . And every time you plant a tree, you lay the roots of an entire ecosystem.