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Trees
clean the air, consuming carbon dioxide and producing the oxygen we
need to breathe. Foliage filters dust and helps remove toxic pollutants
from the atmosphere as well. Tree leaves capture and remove a wide
range of smog-producing compounds such as ozone, carbon monoxide,
nitrogen oxides, airborne ammonia, and some sulfur dioxidecons |
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Trees
reduce runoff that is formed from rain and melted snow, flooding driveways,
yards, and streets. This runoff is untreated and carries all sorts
of pollutants such as soil, leaves, grass, oil, salt, fertilizer,
pet waste, pesticides, and delivers it to our rivers and lakes. Trees
retain runoff before it can leave your yard. They absorb harmful pollutants
that can be absorbed by the soil. This reduces flooding, replenishes
groundwater, and maintains the quality of rivers and lakes. |
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They alter the environment in which we live by moderating the climate.
Water from the roots is drawn up to the leaves where it evaporates.
The conversion from water to gas absorbs huge amounts of heat, cooling
hot city air. Urban neighborhoods with mature trees can be up to 11
degrees cooler in summer heat than neighborhoods without trees. The
pictures below show how tree cover in a city can affect the city's
temperature. These pictures are from a case study of the city of Atlanta.
Because of the decrease in tree cover, Atlanta's average temperature
has increased (see diagrams below). |
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These
Landsat photos show the decline in vegetation and tree cover (shown
in green) as built-up urban areas (shown in black) grow. Red and yellow
areas are a mixture of the two. Downtown Atlanta is in the center
of each photo, and Hartsfield International Airport is at bottom center. |
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Trees
hold topsoil in place to prevent flooding and loss of essential farmland
and roadways |
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Trees
protect vital water supplies and shelter crops from wind |
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Urban
forests serve as wildlife habitats, supplying food, water, and cover
for a variety of animals, which enhance recreation and educational
opportunities of a community |
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Want
to know how many trees you would need to plant to cancel out your
Carbon Dioxide emissions?
Click here to see. |
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