Plant Today, Benefit Tomorrow
For Immediate Release
For Further Information Contact Sonia Garth:
(217) 355-9411 Ext 217
Plant Today, Benefit Tomorrow
CHAMPAIGN, IL- "One generation plants a tree; the next sits in its shade," says the Chinese proverb. However, if our urban forests are not tended to with care, future generations may not have the benefit of a green oasis in the city. Planting and maintaining trees is vital to preserving the urban forests in communities around the world.
Every tree planted today offers benefits to our environment for years to come. Improvements to air quality, climate moderation, and water conservation are important examples of the advantages that a strong urban forest can provide.
Improvement of air quality is obtained through the filtering process of the leaves.
- Filtering removes dust and other particulates from the air
- Absorption of air pollutants such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide
- Renews the air supply by producing oxygen
Climate Control is obtained by moderating the effects of sun, wind, and rain.
- Glare and Reflection Control
- Wind Break, Deflection, and Filtration
- Protection from downward fall of rain, sleet, and hail
- Cost reduction due to shade and shelter, reducing yearly heating and cooling cost.
Water Conservation occurs due to the interception of water by trees.
- Reduction of storm run-off, erosion, and the possibility of flooding
- Improvement of water quality through purification by slowing and filtering rain water
According to Jim Skiera, International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Executive Director, "We often think of planting trees in a rural setting, overlooking that more than 80% of the population live in our cities, where additional trees can provide the greatest benefit." As a community grows, individuals need to consider what contributions they can make to improve the urbanized environment we live in.
Skiera advises, "With a small investment, individual homeowners can play a role in improving the effects of urbanization by planting and maintaining trees." It is never too late to invest in the future of our urban landscape, and harvest the environmental rewards that trees provide. The best time to plant a tree is today.
For more information on the environmental benefits of trees, or other tree care information, visit www.treesaregood.org
The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), headquartered in Champaign, IL, is a nonprofit organization supporting tree care research and education around the world. To promote the importance of arboriculture, ISA manages the consumer education web site, www.treesaregood.org. Also, as a part of ISA's dedication to the care and preservation of shade and ornamental trees, it offers the only internationally-recognized certification program in the industry. For more information on ISA and Certified Arborists, visit www.isa-arbor.com