Sept. 22-28 is National Forest Week, and the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) has shared the top “five amazing benefits of trees.”
Energy Savings. Trees can lower your energy bill – blocking icy winter winds in winter, and providing cooling shade in summer.
Flood Protection. When rain isn’t absorbed, the runoff leads to flooding. Trees can reduce the severity of floods – the canopies intercept and slow the fall of rain, their roots and organic soils slow runoff and allow for greater absorption. Trees reduce erosion, and hold the soil.
Added Property Value. Streets lined with leafy trees, stunning forest views on a country property – that helps to attract buyers, and add to the appeal of a property.
Reduced Stress, Improved Health. Study after study has shown the benefits of being outside in nature. The Japanese call being surrounded by nature “Shinrin-yoku,” or “forest bathing.” Even looking at trees has been shown to reduce stress and improve wellness.
A Healthy Environment. Trees are natural filters, protecting us from pollutants. They improve soil and water quality, moderate local climate by providing shade and sheltering from the wind, regulate temperature extremes, provide wildlife habitat, and store carbon.
In fact, some scientists have suggested that trees may be the solution to climate change.
In July of this year, scientists at the Crowther Lab in Zurich, Switzerland, concluded that “forest restoration is the best climate change solution available today” – even though trees take decades to mature, to reach their full carbon-storage potential.
The LSRCA’s forestry team has more than 60 years of experience in tree-planting, and is ready to assist landowners with planting, funding, and managing forests. Since 2008, the team has planted half a million trees across 232 hectares, completed more than 30 Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program plans for landowners with 4 hectares or more, and provided up to 90 percent of the funding to get the trees in the ground.
Reforestation, windbreaks, buffer plantings along watercourses, or Managed Forests – contact the LSRCA at 905-895-1281 or click here.
