Most of us, when thinking about the many ways trees benefit our lives, focus on the number of products we derive from trees - building materials, paper, fiber, oils, gums, syrups, fruit and nuts. We also recognize the visual benefits we reap from trees as leaves change colour from season to season, and small trees grow into larger trees. However, few of us ever stop to realize that trees provide more than just products and ornamental beauty. Trees, in fact, offer an almost endless list of environmental and economic benefits, some of which are crucial to our well-being.

SOIL
A tree's falling leaves and needles decompose. This decomposing material provides rich nutrients for the soil.. Roots and canopy reduce flooding by allowing rain to percolate into the ground, which reduces rainfall run-off.

UTILITY COSTS
A tree, such as an evergreen, if properly placed in your yard, can act as a windbreak and an insulator. In the winter, this can translate into lower home heating costs. A tree, especially a deciduous, if strategically placed to provide shade for your home's roof and outside walls, can help reduce air conditioning costs in the summer.

PROPERTY VALUES
Trees add beauty and charm to the landscape and can therefore increase the property's value.

NOISE LEVELS
A tree's various parts absorb sound waves, deflect the waves in different directions, and thereby reduce the sound's intensity. Each 100 foot width of trees can absorb about 6 to 12 decibels of noise. Since a busy highway can generate as much as 72 decibels of sound, trees can make a significant and welcome reduction in noise levels.

WATER
A tree, in addition to reducing topsoil erosion, also helps prevent harmful land pollutants contained in the soil from getting into our waterways. In addition to slowing down water run-off, trees ensures that groundwater supplies are continually being replenished.

RECREATION PLACES
A tree provides valuable play areas where children can climb, make a swing and build a tree-house. In urban areas, trees help children to see and appreciate nature. Often they are used by birds and small animals for shelter, nesting and for the storage of food.