Why trees are one of nature’s greatest gifts!

Philanthropist Warren Buffett said ‘’Someone's sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.’’ His analogy was related to making astute investments, but it resonates equally for those like us who love our gardens and landscaping. We know the great value and beauty of trees and truly believe that every tree that is planted is part of a lasting legacy that we will be leaving to the generations that follow us.

If you think this is exaggerated let’s give you just a few reasons why trees are one of nature’s greatest gifts….

Beauty and peace of mind

Can you imagine a world without trees? They create so much beauty and turn dull landscapes into magnificent ones. More importantly, they greatly benefit us from a health point of view. Apart from the well-known fact that they produce oxygen, research has shown trees in urban environments create better physical and mental health in local communities. These include improved cardiovascular function, more thermal comfort, and reduced anxiety.

Combat climate change

They not only create more life-giving oxygen but reduce climate change by removing carbon from the atmosphere and storing it in their trunks and the soil - sort of like large vacuum bags. This is exactly why the destruction of old trees in dense forest areas has exacerbated climate change detrimentally.

A frightening statistic from a recent study estimated that ‘’from 2010 to 2050, global forest loss will result in 3.5 to 4.2 billion metric tons of greenhouse gasses entering the atmosphere each year.’’

Shade and cooling

Staying with interesting studies, another tells us ‘’To combat the heating effects of concrete in cities we need at least 40% canopy coverage. With over half of the world’s population living in cities — notoriously hotter because of concrete, poorer air quality, limited shade and green space - we must grow trees to beat the heat.’’

Trees cool the Earth by blocking sunlight and providing shade - and through ‘evapotranspiration,’ a process where water is drawn up through the soil by the roots and evaporates from the leaves, they cool the air as the water transforms into vapour.

Keep us safe and are home to millions!

Mature trees protect communities against flash floods and landslides by stabilising soil and absorbing water - and they provide cleaner water, vital to communities for drinking, because their roots filter detrimental chemicals and pollutants, resulting from storm runoff, into our streams and rivers.

Trees are also home to millions of species of birds and all forms of nature’s creatures. Without them, these creatures have no habitat and this is exactly why the destruction of forestry is hugely detrimental to our entire ecosystem!

A gift that never stops giving

What an amazing gift that trees are, not only to us from nature but also from us to someone we love. Think of it – when you give a tree you are giving something that will not only bring the recipient joy but years of pleasure to their children and probably for many generations to come.

In our first article of the new year, we will be talking about the many types of trees that are available to us to plant and grow, with a special focus on Indigenous varieties, as we are always thinking about water saving, so do watch this space.

In the meantime, if you want to give a tree for a gift this Christmas come and view the whole range of wonderful trees here at Windy Willows Wholesale Nursery in Honeydew. You can see them and order online under Plant Selector or better still come in and view our full range of trees at our nursery. We are happy to advise you on what trees to plant, or to buy for others.

Thank you to all who have supported us in 2024 – Have a peaceful holiday and a blessed festive season. If we don’t see you now, we look forward to seeing you again in 2025!

Read next article: Water collection and storage!