Why We Need Trees
Trees play a vital role in sustaining
life on earth
Trees store carbon, stabilise the soil, give life to wildlife, and more importantly, they provide us with oxygen.
Here’s a few more reasons for having trees . . .
Social
- Improving health and wellbeing – trees make us happy and areas with greater tree cover have been shown to improve mental health.
- Encouraging education and participation – communities and schools get involved with planting initiatives.
Environmental
- Enhancing biodiversity – who doesn’t enjoy the song of the tui or the sight of that big fat wood pigeon sitting high up in the canopy.
- Improving air quality – trees improve air quality by removing air pollutants, such as particulate matter, and absorb gases harmful to human health.
- Reducing the urban heat island effect – Auckland’s getting hotter and hotter. Trees help cool the city through evapotranspiration.
Economic
- Increasing property values – mature trees increase property value and appeal to buyers and tenants.
- Reducing healthcare costs- We all want to be fit and healthy! This could be as easy as looking after our trees. Trees improve air quality and our wellbeing, so because we’re healthier there’s less demand on health services and related care.
Heritage & Cultural
- The benefits of Auckland’s urban forest are culturally very important. Native forest is important to mātauranga Māori (knowledge and understanding), and trees create a connection to place and history.
