The wonder of trees

Did you know that trees clean the air we breathe? Trees are an important part of our environment. They act as the lungs of the earth and help us to breathe in fresher, cleaner air. In fact trees can rightly be considered our partners in preserving our earth because they absorb the carbon dioxide we breathe out as well as remove other contaminants from the atmosphere. Trees in turn produce oxygen which we breathe in. Without trees our air would be so much more polluted.

Trees also filter rain water before it is absorbed into the earth and fills up the underground water sources. By slowing the rate at which rain hits the earth they help to prevent soil erosion. The water we drink from streams and springs are purer because of trees. We also lose less rainwater because of the presence of trees. So the next time you drink water from a pure mountain stream look up at the trees overhead and say 'thank you'.

By absorbing heat and providing shade they keep us cool in a tropical climate. One of the greatest joys in life is to sit under a 'cool, shady tree' with a nice glass of lemonade, something delicious to eat and good company. Planting shade trees around the house reduces our electricity bills as there is less need for fans and air conditioners. It has also been said that people like houses with trees and are prepared to pay more for them than others without.

global warming

You may very well have heard by now about global warming and its impact on the earth. Carbon dioxide contributes to this problem. By absorbing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, trees help to reduce global warming. Think twice about cutting down a tree, especially if you are not replanting one.

If you are still unconvinced about the wonder of trees, then think about all the good things we get to eat from trees. What would we do without all the delicious fruits we get from trees! Imagine no bananas, mangoes, pears, ackee, soursops - do I need to go on? There are also persons who benefit from burning wood to make coal. Of course, this should be done responsibly so that we all continue to benefit from our trees.

So now that you we all know the benefits and wonder of trees, why don't we plant a tree today?

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