5 Reasons to Plant Trees, and How to Get Started 

Climate change has been making more headlines than ever over the past few years, but there’s something simple you can do to make a difference. Plant a tree! It’s common knowledge that trees can reduce carbon but there are several other reasons to start planting trees. Here are the top five benefits and how to get started:

Top 5 Benefits of Planting Trees

1. Trees help combat global warming, which is caused by carbon dioxide building up in our atmosphere. Trees absorb that carbon dioxide, removing and storing it, while releasing oxygen back into the air. Trees also clean the air from odors and combat pollution.They filter out and trap pollutants in their bark and leaves and release good oxygen. The 1.9 billion acres of the Amazon rainforest can hold more than 100 billion metric tons of carbon so trees are critical in fighting climate change.
2. Trees prevent water pollution. A tree’s canopy provides shade that reduces the temperature of the water flowing into our streams and waterways. Trees also break rainfall allowing water to flow down their trunks and into the earth below the tree, rather than allowing pollutants to flow into our rivers, lakes, and oceans. Learn about how trees in the Pacific Northwest region can even help protect the endangered orca!
3. Trees support wildlife habitat. The Amazon Rainforest is the world's largest rainforest ecosystem. It is home to nearly 30% of the plant and animal species on our planet including animal species like the Amazon River Dolphin, Black Spider Monkey, Jaguar, and Macaw. Even a tree in your backyard can support your local wildlife.
4. Trees help conserve energy. When planted strategically, trees provide shade to buildings and homes in the summer. This reduces the need for air conditioning in warm months by up to 50%! When trees lose leaves in the winter you get more sunlight so they work in rhythm with the energy needs of the season. Trees, when harvested selectively, can be a source of clean fuel for heating homes as well. While using less energy, you are also saving on carbon emissions!
5. Trees can be a source of food for humans, birds, and wildlife. Did you know that one apple tree can yield up to 15-20 bushels of fruit per year? Harvesting your own food cuts down on the food transportation concerns. Most food gets shipped and flown in from other countries and much of it gets packaged with plastic. According to Our World in Data, the food industry is responsible for one-quarter of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Even if you don’t plant trees, supporting local orchards or food producers and growing your own vegetables helps make a difference.

So whether you are protecting the legacy of our planet, breathing, eating, or staying warm or cool, a tree can help. Here’s how you can get started.

How You Can Start Planting Trees

Do you want to plant your own trees?

Choose your trees based on the purpose you are trying to achieve. I.e. Are you looking for fruit, shade, beauty, carbon sequestration, or a combination of these? Also, be sure to choose a tree that grows well in your local climate. If you shop at a local garden store, they’ll likely only carry trees for your area. If you have plans to plant many trees, do a bit of research before you order in bulk.

Other ways to plant trees: