Benefits of trees

Trees release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, the heat trapping gas that causes the greenhouse effect. The more new trees we can plant and the more mature trees we can preserve, the better the chances we can sustain healthy, liveable environments for future generations.

Urban heat islands are prevalent in cities due to the number of vehicles, buildings, people and hard surfaces. Planting trees reduces the urban heat island effect by providing shade and by increasing evapotranspiration (the sum of evaporation from the earth's surface and transpiration from plants). Street trees have shown to help reduce atmospheric temperatures by up to 1.5 degrees. They also help reduce humidity and are effective windbreakers. Households with shade trees can also spend 10 per cent less on cooling costs in the summer.

As land is developed in order to meet the growing demands of the increasing population, our fauna species lose their natural habitat and sources of food. Tree communities along our streets and in parks, form green corridors, allowing native wildlife to seek refuge whilst travelling between larger bushland areas.

Trees not only provide us with the oxygen we need, they also clean the air by filtering pollutants through their leaves. In one year, an acre of trees can provide enough oxygen for 18 people to breathe. Trees are truly our source of life!

Believe it or not, trees bring people together! They beautify spaces, encouraging residents to step outdoors and enjoy the green spaces around them. Studies have shown that spending time outdoors in nature improves our overall wellbeing and even our attention levels.

Living in a leafy street and neighbourhood is a highly sought residential feature. Properties surrounded by well planted trees may be worth up to 15 percent more than streets without trees. Studies have also shown that leafy business districts attract more customers and aid with traffic flow, making streets safer for everyone.

Trees impact us directly by improving both our physical and mental health. Research has found that time spent in a natural environment increases our physical immunity response and that green views have positive impacts on our mental health and emotional response. Additionally, shade provided by trees protects us from up to 75% of harmful UV radiation from the sun.