Six Lesser-Known Reasons Why We All Need Trees In Our Lives

It’s no secret that we’re big fans of trees, here at The Organic Skin Co. / World Organics. It’s why we’ve partnered with Eden Reforestations for five years now; why we plant one tree on your behalf every time you purchase a product; and why – when it comes to educating about the dangers of deforestation – we’ll happily chew the ear off anyone prepared to listen!

We talk about the devastating consequences of deforestation in detail on our website, and most of you will be well versed in the reasons why we need to combat this modern-day plague. Most too, will be aware of other, oft-discussed reasons why trees are so important to us, including the fact that they help to combat climate change, thanks to their ability to absorb excess carbon dioxide and purify the air; that they play an important role in food security (especially in the provision of nutrient-rich fruits); and that they help protect our precious waterways by reducing polluted, stormwater runoff.

But this is only a starting point for the many benefits trees provide. Here’s six lesser-known reasons why we all need trees in our lives…

When rain falls, it’s absorbed by trees and plants and then released back into the air as transpiration. Amazingly, this can amount to around 250-400 gallons of water per tree, every single day! Transpiration helps maintain optimal levels of humidity in the air and ensures our life-giving fresh-water cycle remains in balance.

All of us know about the amazing healing properties of tea-tree oil and many of us will have tried healing teas made from bark or leaves (for example beech, ash, cedar, and elm bark teas can all help in the treatment of ailments like fevers, headaches, rheumatism, gout, and congestion). However, the healing properties of trees extend even further than this, encompassing benefits that can be gained simply from walking amongst trees, or – remarkably – from viewing them.  Recent studies have shown, for example, that patients with views of trees out their windows heal faster and with less complications, whilst children with ADHD show fewer symptoms when they have access to nature.

As we learn more about the convergence between nature and technology, trees are becoming increasingly important in helping achieve important engineering functions. That’s because trees prevent erosion by improving the stability of sloping lands and reducing runoff, allowing for stable and attractive bioengineering solutions for important infrastructure like ditches and even the viability of buildings constructed on sloping land. 

This one is close to our heart, given our partnership with Eden Reforestations. The opportunities provided by either replanting or harvesting trees are remarkable, helping to resurrect blighted landscapes and securing the economic and social advancement of previously impoverished communities worldwide.

In urban areas, trees help maintain precious ecosystems, simply by protecting wildlife from the effects of light and noise pollution. They help to muffle noise and limit exposure to light, allowing animals to follow the daily cycles of light and darkness that are so important to their habits and habitats.

Incidences of crime and violence are statistically much higher in cities and neighbourhoods that are barren of trees. Greenery not only soothes our soul, it helps us feel safer, connected to our surroundings in a way that a sea of metal and concrete does not.