This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Lower Crime! Plant Trees

 “TREES are on the front lines of our changing climate. And when the oldest trees in the world suddenly start dying, it’s time to pay attention….We have underestimated the importance of trees...and take them for granted, but they are a near miracle.

In a bit of natural alchemy called photosynthesis, for example, trees turn one of the seemingly most insubstantial things of all — sunlight — into food for insects, wildlife and people, and use it to create shade, beauty and wood for fuel, furniture and homes.

 

Find out what's happening in Columbiawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

A NY Times article  on  Why Trees Matter, author Jim Robbins identifies their numerous benefits: Trees are nature’s water filters, capable of cleaning up the most toxic wastes, including explosives, solvents and organic wastes…through a process known as phytoremediation.

 

Find out what's happening in Columbiawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Tree leaves filter air pollution. A 2008 Columbia University research study found that more trees in urban neighborhoods correlate with a lower incidence of asthma as well as lower rates of crime.  Studies in inner cities show that anxiety and depression are lower in a landscaped environment.  

 

According to Robbins, Japanese researchers have long studied what they call forest bathing. A walk in the woods, they say, reduces the level of stress chemicals in the body and increases natural killer cells in the immune system, which fight tumors and viruses.”* Wow. We need to get out and start walking around our lakes and pathways systems and soak in health!

 

Nick DiPasquale EPA Program Director for The Chesapeake Bay, in a white paper on The Value of Trees, cites “Root systems help stabilize stream banks and reduce erosion. Trees along streams and rivers provide a shade canopy which reduces the temperature of the water and improves fish populations…and like many other plants, have substances that can be used for medicinal purposes.  One of these substances, taxane, from the Pacific yew tree, has become a powerful treatment for breast and other cancers.  Aspirin’s active ingredient comes from willows.”**

When planted in urban settings, trees can help reduce the heat island effect, their shade keeps city asphalt, concrete and suburbs 10 degrees or more cooler and protect our skin from the sun’s harsh UV rays.  According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture…a healthy tree is equivalent to ten room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day.

 

“Many new low impact design (LID) stormwater management systems are designed to mimic nature by directing stormwater into rain gardens or bio-swales that allow rainwater to percolate into the ground or be taken up plants instead of running across roads and parking lots where it picks up contaminants and washes into creeks and streams.  The use of green roofs performs a similar function, but in addition, reduces building heating and cooling costs. “**

From little acorns, big oaks grow. The White Oak is Maryland’s State Tree, often growing up to 100 feet tall, produce the fruit of an acorn and male catkin flowers.  While white oaks usually grow in forests, they can also be found on edges of lakes, ponds, and streams.

 

“So when we consider the costs associated with cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay, we need to also consider the additional benefits and values that will be obtained.  If everyone planted just one tree a year, it would go a long way to cleaning up our water and improving our health and well being.”**

Recommended Native Trees go to: http://www.trees.maryland.gov/pickatree.asp 

Wilde Lake Dam Tree Planting Initiative: http://youtu.be/BLmcrej3a7o           

*Tim Robbins,  NY Times article Why Trees Matter                                   **Nick DiPasquale, from a white paper on The Value of Trees

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?