Green Tips: The Importance of Planting Trees

The social, communal and environmental benefits of trees are numerous. 

They manufacture oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide. They provide shade in summer and windbreak in winter. The beauty and serenity of trees have been shown to help hospital patients recover more quickly. Trees reduce crime in low-income urban areas and increase property values. Trees help us save energy, improve air quality, conserve water and provide homes to wildlife. Large and majestic trees are a major asset to any community.   

American Forests states that the national urban tree deficit now stands at more than 634 million trees. 

Unprecedented environmental stresses and urban sprawl are making it more difficult for trees to grow and flourish in today’s world. Because trees offset our carbon footprint, or the amount of energy a person consumes in their day-to-day activities, it is more important than ever to plant trees. 

The average person produces 26 tons of CO2 per year. Six 25-year-old pine trees absorb one ton of CO2. Thirty-six 25-year-old maple trees absorb one ton of CO2.  And, according to my husband the arborist, everyone should have planted 250 trees by the age of 40.

Planting trees is a way for people to give back to the environment for future generations and offset the damage done by their carbon footprint. Spring is the perfect time to plant a tree, or if you prefer, there are organizations like americanforests.org or erasecarbonfootprint.com where with a small donation they will plant a tree in your name.

This Earth Day, plant a tree. Check out for their tree selection and have fun.

Some information compiled from American Forests.

Visit greenwithbetsy.com for ideas and more green tips.