10 Reasons Why We Should Not Cut Down Trees
It cuts both ways
From the mighty maple to the evergreen forests, trees provide us with fuel, endless beauty, and the very air we breathe. In short, we cannot imagine our lives without them, so we compiled 10 reasons why we should not cut down trees. However, some situations, like removing a dead tree, require hiring a local tree cutting professional to remove it safely. Check out our list and learn why it’s important to keep most trees intact.
Tree removal poses significant risks, especially when cutting down large trees. To ensure your safety, hire a professional tree removal service and maintain a safe distance from the fall zone during the operation.
1. Trees Turn Carbon Dioxide Into Oxygen
We all know that humans (and almost all living things) need oxygen. Trees use photosynthesis to turn carbon dioxide into oxygen. In fact, according to the United States Department of Agriculture, in one day, one large tree can produce a day’s supply of oxygen for four humans.
2. Trees Clean the Air
Trees can store carbon dioxide in their fibers, which can reduce the negative effects of carbon dioxide on the environment. The Arbor Day Foundation says that in one year a single, mature tree could actually absorb over 48 pounds of carbon dioxide. Since carbon dioxide is the lead contributor to greenhouse gasses, this is a critical role in fighting against global warming. And of course, the trees release oxygen in exchange.
3. Trees Contain Medicine
Another benefit of trees around the world is that they have been shown to contain vital, active ingredients and healing properties that have long been used in cultures around the world as medicine. Many of these are now also the building blocks of modern medicine. The bark of the Pacific yew tree (Taxus) is an ingredient in a chemotherapy drug. And it’s well known that the bark of the willow tree contains an active ingredient (salicin) that acts much the same as aspirin as a pain reliever.
The cutting down of trees not only in our own backyards but in rainforests and large areas where deforestation means that we are threatening our future medicine chest. It’s possible that we are cutting down plants and trees that contain the key to fighting global diseases and epidemics.
4. Trees Provide Beauty
It may seem like an obvious thing, but whether it’s a home in the countryside or a tree-lined street in the heart of the city, having a tree to look at just changes your outlook, literally and figuratively. That beauty comes with good news for your home’s value, too. Healthy trees can increase your home’s property value. In fact, a mature tree can add value between $1,000 and $10,000, according to the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers.
5. Trees Provide an Energy Break
A mature tree not only provides cool shade to lounge under on a hot day in the summer, but it can also lower your overall energy bill. If your tree is close enough to your house to provide a significant amount of shade, it can reduce the amount you need to run your air conditioning in the summer by keeping it cooler. But trees can also help keep your home a bit warmer in the winter by providing a windbreak, especially if you consider planting evergreens.
6. Trees Provide Connection to Nature
Even if you live in the middle of the suburbs or the heart of a bustling city block, trees can provide you and those around you with a connection to nature. Being able to listen to the rustle of the wind through the leaves or watch the change of seasons can keep you connected even when a walk in the woods can’t happen. Plus, those squirrels and birds are pretty cute, right?
7. Trees Provide Habitats
Speaking of nature, a single tree doesn’t just house a single bird. You’ll find it can be home to quite a few critters and is a hotbed of excitement. From buzzing bees to gentle butterflies to chippy chipmunks and busy birds, even one tree can support the habitat of woodland creatures to keep you entertained for seasons.
If you’re worried that your tree is unhealthy or you're considering cutting it down, consult with a nearby tree care service first. Finding someone who specializes in tree care should be the first step, as you may well find someone who can save your dying tree and bring it back to life.
8. Trees Prevent Soil Erosion
Erosion doesn’t just happen on sandy beaches or dried-out hills: It’s a problem in many climates and situations, including the banks and slopes of many backyards. Anywhere water can easily run off and carry topsoil (and chemicals) can have a problem with erosion, making it difficult for plants to grow and ruin landscaping. While we often think of grass and ground cover as key blockades against erosion, trees play a vital role, too.
The tree’s crown creates a valuable canopy that absorbs water and redirects rainfall, preventing heavy runoff that creates erosion. A tree’s shade creates a sheltered spot for grasses to grow and prevent additional surface-level erosion. Plus, tree roots spread wide and deep, providing a firm anchor against erosion.
Any potentially harmful chemicals that runoff may contain are often filtered out by tree roots (with trees acting as a more resistant repository), keeping them from poisoning nearby lakes, rivers, or oceans.
9. Trees Aid in the Water Cycle
Do you live in a dry climate or an area that experiences hot summers? Your nearby trees may be helping more than you think. Once trees start to mature, their own water needs are relatively modest. But the shade they provide keeps water from evaporating too quickly, so it has more opportunities to sink into the soil and help shallow-growing plants.
Trees also conduct a process called transpiration, where leaves and new growth constantly release a small amount of water. Just by being present, trees help increase the nearby moisture in the air. In large numbers, tree transpiration can help encourage the formation of clouds, and contribute to the entire water cycle.
10. Trees Bring Biodiversity
Many of the factors mentioned above—providing shade, preventing erosion, and helping water linger—are excellent for overall biodiversity. Nearby trees encourage and protect many kinds of plant growth, including native species, flowers, and shrubs in your garden.
Deciduous trees contribute even more when they shed their leaves, creating a layer of protection against the cold and even adding valuable carbon to the soil (or to your compost pile) when the leaves decompose. Bugs, worms, birds, squirrels and other wildlife congregate as a result, too.
Finally, when trees die, their decomposition cycle provides a vital shelter for animals, fungi, and even young saplings, continuing to encourage diversity for years after the tree has fallen. It’s easy to see why more trees often equals more biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
In the short term, you’ll have a lot of fallen trees to deal with. Tree removal services costs typically start at $200 per tree and increase based on species and size. Then, you’ll have to deal with the loss of trees: That means a loss of shade and a greater risk of rain runoff and erosion. Also, you’ll miss out on the health and aesthetic benefits of having trees on your property, which could even affect the resale value of your home.
That being said, cutting down a tree it’s not always a bad idea. Trees growing too close to rooftops can present fire hazards or debris problems. You may need to remove diseased or dying trees to prevent future issues.
You may need a permit to chop down a tree in certain situations. Some residential areas are under regulations from local governments, and cities may want to control what trees are planted or cut down to influence appearance, prevent invasive species, and more. The same permitting rules apply for homeowners associations. Check with your local government and homeowners association to determine whether you need a permit for this task.
Trees don’t usually grow back after being cut down. Some particularly robust tree species may start sending up new stems from a stump to recover, but those stems won’t become a “tree” like before. Generally, trees don’t recover from being entirely cut down, which is why it’s important to be careful when making a decision. When you cut down a tree, it’s a good idea to make plans to remove the stump, even if it’s unlikely to grow back.
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