Importance of Trees
The word tree comes from the Latin arbor and it corresponds to a plant that has a woody trunk and certain ramifications that give it a great height. There is a wide variety of trees, to be classified in these groups they must meet the following characteristics: have roots, have a height of approximately two or six meters, have a crown with branches and a variety of leaves that can produce flowers and fruits.
They can live thousands of years and have great heights of approximately one hundred meters, they are considered incredible plants, they are capable of growing in any type of ecosystem, adapting to the various environments that can be offered, varying in species, classes , families that offers a great diversity for the landscape.
They are of great importance to the natural landscape. They are also responsible for generating the oxygen we breathe, considered the most relevant and important biochemical process for all humanity, helping to reduce carbon dioxide, prevent soil erosion, and protect the environment with their foliage. Furthermore, they represent a very important image for every cultural and artistic society, as they provide beauty to the environment, helping inspire numerous artists to recreate the most beautiful versions in the cultural world. They also stand out in the field of agriculture for producing fruits and great beauty, also providing one of the most important raw materials for society: wood.
Let's learn in detail the main characteristics of trees:
They supply oxygen to the atmosphere
The main importance of trees lies in the presence of chlorophyll, which allows one of the most important biochemical mechanisms known as photosynthesis to be carried out, which is responsible for supplying the greatest possible amount of oxygen. This process is carried out by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which is processed inside the plant plus the interaction with the water transported by the sap that was absorbed by the roots, finally expelling the necessary oxygen, converting inorganic matter into organic matter.
The process of photosynthesis is essential for the development of life on earth, being necessary for all human beings, animals and even other plants that use it for their chemical processes. Along with algae, they are the largest precursors of oxygen on the planet, because they are responsible for fixing carbon dioxide in their cells and thus start the biochemical process. This can be considered one of the most important facts about trees because they are considered the lungs of the world, providing the precious oxygen for humanity.
During the process of photosynthesis, not only oxygen is generated, but also a very low rate of carbon dioxide and sugars. Depending on the age of the tree, the higher its carbon dioxide fixation rate will be. The younger the trees, the lower their carbon fixation rate, thus, they are characterized as carbon sinks that facilitate their growth. In older trees, their carbon fixation rate is higher, generating neutral balances and higher oxygen content.
Photosynthesis can be affected by the tree's conditions. If the leaves are dry or severely damaged, the process will be more difficult to complete. This is especially true in this case when treating trees with herbicides, as excessive herbicide application can be harmful to the plant. Therefore, it is necessary to strictly monitor the plants for pests and the accumulation of dust or water. If the conditions are not monitored, the plant will not photosynthesize and, therefore, will not produce the necessary oxygen.
Trees Fight Climate Change
There is a significant accumulation of gases in the atmosphere, all of which causes the climate to be so variable. It is important to note that this influences the wide variety of climates around the world. However, over time, the concentration of gases progressively increases, negatively influencing climate change. Humans have played a fundamental role in the changes generated on the planet since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution.
Trees are capable of absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thus allowing the air to be purified of harmful gases for the environment and health, highlighting in this case that there is a species that collaborates mainly to reverse this factor, which is known as the tree of life, they are a type of tree that can adapt to any type of soil, grows quite fast and is easy to grow.
Its main characteristic is that it resists fire because its roots can easily regenerate; its regeneration process can absorb up to ten times more carbon dioxide than other trees. It is considered an oxygen bomb, as it provides a large amount of oxygen to the planet.
The tree of life is extremely popular worldwide, having been part of several legends that consider it a sacred tree. It is highly representative in both religious and philosophical spheres, representing a profound symbolism that encompasses strength and positivism. Its popularity stems from its deep roots, which represent birth; life in the thickness of the trunk; and its branches, which represent the crossroads throughout life, in addition to all the oxygen that circulates throughout its system.
Trees and plants feed us with their fruits
Among some of the main products that can be highlighted from the trees are flowers and edible fruits, among them species such as orange trees, hazelnut trees, strawberry trees, among others. They are considered ideal to be grown in closed areas such as gardens and orchards, these types of trees allow you to harvest your own food, but they are completely related to the climate and type of soil. Some of the most common species are the following to highlight:
- Fruit trees in intense frosty climates: hazel, apple, pear, blueberry
- Fruit trees in temperate climates: olive, chestnut, fig
- Fruit trees in tropical climate: avocado, mango, guava
- Fruit trees in mild frost climates: mandarin, orange, medlar
Prevent soil erosion
Another importance of trees is to prevent soil erosion, it is necessary to know that erosion deals with soil degradation, all this caused by overexposure of the soil to climatic conditions such as water and air currents, generating dry land and without any type of vegetation, reducing fertility that causes the loss of minerals and organic matter.
Trees are responsible for maintaining soil moisture, all this through their roots that are responsible for going deeper into them, progressively feeding the soil and reducing the possibility that the elements (wind and rain) can affect the soil, to the point of leaving it without lifetime. Trees do not need very fertile soil (with the exception of fruit trees), it is only necessary to give them the necessary space for their growth and expansion.
One soil conservation technique is to grow trees in areas where erosion is particularly persistent, such as slopes or open areas exposed to sun and wind. Planting shrubs and/or flowers will encourage tree growth and contribute to the overall landscape.
It is very important to have a plant cover that protects the soil from exposure to wind, sun, rain; preventing them from directly impacting or dragging the few nutrients found in the soil. Due to the excessive felling of trees, many lands have been exposed to different climatic conditions, which over time are losing their essential properties and becoming completely sterile, here lies a great importance of trees and their soil conservation.
Other important uses of trees and plants
Trees represent life and peace, which is why many people seek to be around them and share the energy they transmit, in addition to the wide variety of uses they can be put to. Trees are of great importance to society, primarily because of their close relationship with humans. Let's explore some of their main uses for humanity.
Decrease noise pollution
Noise pollution, also known as noise pollution, refers to excessive sound or noise that exceeds normal levels. Noise pollution refers to excessive noise caused by various human activities, such as traffic, industry, businesses, ships, and others, significantly affecting human hearing and mental health.
Excessive noise can significantly affect people psychologically and physiologically, which is why trees have been used as decorative elements in cities since ancient times. They help reduce urban noise and help minimize visual and psychological impact. This is why gardens are often located along roads or at the edges of houses.
They protect us from the sun and cool us
The trees are characterized by their significant size, shape and large crown, offering a wide variety of colors, fruits and flowers. But they stand out primarily for offering shade and refreshing the environment, it is one of the great reasons why the houses have trees with abundant canopies, to the point that they cover the roofs, generating freshness in the home.
There are a wide variety of trees that offer shade, especially in such a hot season as summer, generating freshness and even a sense of peace, this is due to the water vapor that is released through the leaves, helping to generate a great atmosphere.
Wood Extraction
A great importance of trees is their contribution of one of the main raw materials of society that is known as wood, it is obtained from the trunk of the trees of the main branches and their roots. Through this it is possible to obtain a great variety of products such as tables, furniture, doors, among others, in addition to obtaining cellulose, oils, resins, among other products for the chemical industry.
It should be noted that wood is considered a renewable natural resource, highlighting that its extraction process begins with tree planting. Once the tree is in the right condition, it begins felling, where the trees are cut with mechanical saws. The branches are then cleaned until the trunk is clean. The logs are cut to the appropriate length and transported to the sawmill to begin the mechanical process. They are then dried to prevent rotting, before finally being transported to the respective industries for processing.
Wood is used as the raw material for pulp, or cellulose, used in the paper industry. Wood is also supplied to artists for construction and painting, and used in building construction and other woodworking projects, among many other applications. It is worth noting that each company is responsible for the number of trees they cut down to replenish their existing crop.
Embellish the landscape
There are a wide variety of trees, some characterized by their leafy, fruit-bearing, and floral characteristics, as well as their wide variety of colors throughout the year. In this case, their use as decorative elements for both the environment and homes is particularly noteworthy, leading to their cultivation for ornamental purposes.
They are widely used in the economic field for the development of society, where they tend to be located in different gardens, parks, among others. In this way, beauty and natural quality are given to the areas, with a wide variety of structured landscapes to enjoy their peculiar beauty at different times of the year.
They are home to many animals and insects
Trees can grow in diverse areas, even in communities, creating a comfortable and safe environment for some animal species, such as squirrels and rabbits, where they build their burrows or where birds nest, among other species. Thanks to trees, these species can maintain their existence and even survive.
Curiosities of the trees
The importance of trees is fundamental in the survival of life on the planet, therefore, as human beings we must conserve life on the planet and be responsible for the species of trees that are felled in different areas of the world, in this way In this way we will also guarantee the conservation of life itself, therefore, let us know some of the main curiosities of trees:
- The largest plant in the world is the Sequoia, it is located in the Redwood National Park California and measures 115 meters high.
- The longest-lived tree is known as the Pinus Longaeva, it is 7 thousand years old, and remains of this specimen have been found with that age.
- Remains of a 270 million-year-old tree, long before the dinosaurs, known as the Ginkgo Biloba, were even found.
- In India you can get the Ficus Benghalensis, which is known as a tree that occupies approximately 12 thousand square meters, being a highly revered species in India and offering great shade.
Conclusion
The importance of trees for the preservation of life on Earth must be emphasized. We can benefit from them, but we must not destroy them. It is necessary to respect these wonderful plants and encourage their continued planting. Today, we have observed with concern the excessive felling of trees and the damage it is causing to our planet, increasing the greenhouse effect, increasing soil erosion, the extinction of some tree species, and the deterioration of the planet's green areas. As humans, it is our duty to care for them, and remember that they are the lungs of the world.
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