This year Earth Day is Saturday, April 22. Planting a tree is one tradition that is celebrated and encouraged on Earth Day.  Why is this such a popular and significant Earth Day activity?

Plant A Tree For Earth Day Because:

  • Tree planting is a sustainable action.
  • Trees are a powerful carbon conversion tool built by nature.
  • Trees produce oxygen and filter out pollutants to clean the air and cleansing the atmosphere of carbon dioxide can slow climate change.

In addition to storing carbon that offsets harmful byproducts of fossil-fuel burning, trees offer many additional benefits.

  • Trees reduce the amount of storm water runoff, which reduces erosion and pollution in our waterways and may reduce the effects of flooding and trees help preserve water levels in the soil.
  • Wildlife species depend on trees for food, shelter, and protection. Trees provide a habitat from their ground level up to their canopies.
  • Trees boost our mental and physical health. Studies have shown the correlation between a walk in the park among trees and the lowering of one’s anxiety and depression.  Green spaces invite us to move and exercise leading to our physical well-being.
  • Trees moderate the effects of sun and wind, and they clean the air by trapping dust, pollen, and other pollutants. Most of the filtration happens within 100 feet of a tree. If planted close to factories and highways, trees can reduce ailments such as asthma and heart disease.
  • Trees planted close to buildings and homes can significantly reduce air conditioning costs with the shade and resulting cooling effects. Less air conditioning means less freon being emitted into the atmosphere and a reduction in ozone damage.
  • Landscapes that include trees help us relax, lower heart rates, and reduce stress. Trees make people feel good.  Workers are more productive when they see trees along their commute or from their office windows.
  • Trees not only beautify your landscape, but they also increase property value.
  • Trees contribute raw materials that are renewable, biodegradable, and recyclable.

Planting a tree on Earth Day provides numerous benefits in helping lower our eco footprint.  If you would like to plant a tree in your yard, fruit and shade trees are always a good choice.  Make sure to choose one native to your area and able to thrive in the local climate.  If you’re unsure of what tree to choose or how to plant it, consult your experts at Artistic Tree and Landscape Creations.