Most trees are planted because they provide beauty and shade. However, their uses extend beyond aesthetics because trees also improve the quality of the air we breathe.
The leaves of the plants have living cells that get energy from the sunlight. This is called photosynthesis, which is the process of breathing or respiration of the plants. Through this process, plants make their own “food” and use it as a source of energy. By capturing the sun’s energy, the leaf decomposes the sap supplied by the roots necessary for its growth. The leaf does not only need sunlight to decompose its sap, it also needs air. Leaves take in carbon dioxide from the air to form carbohydrates that are used in the plant’s development and functioning. Leaves filter the air that we breathe by removing dirt and other particles, such as carbon monoxide, ozone, and sulphur dioxide, and then they give off oxygen. Rain then washes the impurities to the ground and trees cleanse the air.
In addition, the temperature in the surrounding areas of the trees becomes cooler. Larger trees provide greater cooling. Trees in the cities help moderate the heat-island effect caused by pavements and buildings in commercial areas. They can also affect the wind speed and direction. Trees that are mostly planted in commercial areas include: Arborvitae, Maple, Oak, Pine, Walnut, Spruce, Ginkgo, Juniper, Linden, Birch, Dogwood, Fir, Linden, Holly, and Gum. These trees are just some of the numerous trees that are effective in neutralising pollutants like sulphur dioxide and ozone.
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