It’s hard to put a price tag on the value of trees. When they first appeared on Earth over 300 million years ago, a watershed moment paved the way for the surface to become a thriving paradise for land animals. Throughout history, trees have provided shelter, food, and other necessities to many species, including our tree-dwelling ancestors.
We may not need trees to survive in the modern era, but that doesn’t imply we don’t need them. There are approximately 3 trillion trees in the world today, which positively impact a wide variety of ecosystems from pristine forests to urban landscapes. To help you fall in love with our forest buddies, we’ve compiled a list of the most interesting tree facts.
1. Certain Tree Species Are Immortal
Certain tree species are indeed physiologically immortal. This doesn’t mean they won’t die at some point in the future, but it does rule out natural causes of death.
The Ginkgo biloba tree is a fantastic example because it can survive for thousands of years. These trees can live for thousands of years and still have an immune system as strong as that of a 20-year-old tree.
Trees have a variety of tricks under their sleeves to stay forever young. They’ve developed a remarkable capacity to delay and mitigate age-related deterioration by replacing old parts and rebuilding dead tissue.
2. Trees Communicate Using a Unique Network
Trees can communicate with one another and share nutrients. They rely on a fantastic network of underground systems developed by soil fungi to accomplish this.
Many trees have a symbiotic relationship with a mycorrhizal fungus. They act as a vast underground network to link forests, allowing trees to share resources like water and nutrients. Fungi essentially aid trees in building a massive, interconnected system where they may exchange information and resources.
3. Trees Emit Compounds That Can Enhance Your Mood
It has been scientifically established that simply being in the presence of trees may improve our mood, reduce stress, and spark creativity. This is due to the compounds they emit, known as phytoncides. Inhaling them has been demonstrated to have remarkable effects, including lowering blood pressure, alleviating anxiety, boosting pain tolerance, and even increasing amounts of proteins that fight cancer.
4. Planting Trees Is a Simple Method for Reducing Global Warming
One of the cheapest and most efficient ways to reduce air pollution and minimize the urban heat island effect is to plant trees in metropolitan areas. Directly, trees can help people by providing oxygen, which is why they’re essential. They breathe in carbon dioxide, a byproduct of fossil fuel combustion that has built up to dangerous amounts in the atmosphere, and give us oxygen in return. Trees, especially old-growth forests, provide a critical check on our carbon dioxide emissions, thereby reducing our carbon footprint.
5. Trees Improve Water Quality
Trees slow and filter the rain as it descends to Earth, making it easier for the water to seep into the ground. They act as natural sponges, soaking up rainfall and slowly releasing the purified water into nearby waterways. In addition, they minimize the impact of floods and stop soil from washing into our waterways.
Planting a tree in your yard will provide shade and aesthetic benefits for years. Contact the team at AAA Mammoth Tree & Landscaping in Tucson, AZ if you live in our service area and require tree removal, tree trimming, or any other type of tree service.
