When done well, tree planting is recognised as one of the most engaging, environmentally friendly activities that people can take part in to better the planet. Trees provide a multitude of benefits, both long and short term. As well as being attractive aesthetically, they remove and store carbon from the atmosphere, slow heavy rain and so reduce the risk of flooding, enhance air quality and improve the urban heat island effect by reflecting sunlight and providing shade. In addition, the physical weight of a tree consists of approximately 50% carbon, as such trees have a strong climate change mitigation effect when in high enough numbers. Some of these benefits such as the mitigation of the urban heat island effect and improvements to air quality are localised and will bring the most benefits to the people who live and otherwise spend their time in the local area. Other benefits such as the removal of carbon from the atmosphere will benefit the wider population, not just those who live the most locally.
Trees greatly benefit the people living around them by having a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing, reducing stress and encouraging outdoor exercise. This is in addition to the benefits they will receive from an improved environmental quality and improved amenity which comes with planted areas.
BENEFITS
There are numerous benefits that the project brings to the community:
- Builds community spirit and unity
- Educates communities about the benefits of trees and nature
- Brings economic benefits to an area by reducing green-space maintenance costs and by raising house prices on aesthetic grounds
- Positive impact on mental health and wellbeing, reducing stress and encouraging outdoor activities
- Removes and stores Carbon from the air
- Reduces flood risk
- Creates wildlife habitat
- Improved aesthetics
- Provides shade
- Reduces green space maintenance costs
- Provides oxygen
- Cleans the air, absorbs odours and pollutants
- Prevents soil erosion
- Provides food; Apples, Pears, Cherry’s, Plums
- Increases pollinator numbers
- Trees benefit the soil conditions
- Reduces pollutants