We take for granted many things that God has built into the Earth so that we can survive. Among those are trees. World Ark magazine for the spring of 2019 published some interesting data that demonstrate the benefits of trees:
One acre of forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide in a year. That is enough to meet the annual needs of 18 people.
One acre of forest produces six tons of oxygen a year. That is also enough to meet the annual needs of 18 people.
A single average-sized tree produces 260 pounds of oxygen a year, which is enough for two people.
Large areas of asphalt or cement attract and retain the Sun’s heat artificially boosting local temperatures. Trees are the only cure for this overheating.
Trees are the most efficient way to reduce urban noise.
Planting a tree on the west side of your house can block enough of the Sun’s heat to save $25 on your air conditioning bill every year. Trees also serve as natural windbreakers to reduce your heating bill in winter.
Some trees, such as apple trees, attract birds which eat invasive caterpillars.
Property values are increased up to 15% by having trees in yards and throughout neighborhoods.
Joyce Kilmer wrote, “I think I shall never see, a poem as lovely as a tree.” That is even more true when we realize the multiple hidden benefits of trees.
“And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit whose seed was in itself after its kind: and God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:12).
The last verse of Kilmer’s poem says:
“Poems are made by fools like me, But only God can make a tree.”
–John N. Clayton © 2019