Fun Facts About Trees

General Facts About Trees

  • Trees keep our air supply fresh by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen.
  • In one year, an acre of trees can absorb as much carbon as is produced by a car driven up to 8700 miles.
  • Trees provide shade and shelter, reducing yearly heating and cooling costs by 2.1 billion dollars.
  • Trees lower air temperature by evaporating water in their leaves.
  • The average tree in metropolitan area survives only about 8 years!
  • A tree does not reach its most productive stage of carbon storage for about 10 years.
  • Trees cut down noise pollution by acting as sound barriers.
  • Tree roots stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.
  • Trees improve water quality by slowing and filtering rain water as well as protecting aquifers and watersheds.
  • Trees provide protection from downward fall of rain, sleet, and hail as well as reduce storm run-off and the possibility of flooding,
  • Trees provide food and shelter for wildlife.
  • Trees located along streets act as a glare and reflection control.
  • The death of one 70-year old tree would return over three tons of carbon to the atmosphere.
News

Nominate a True Professsional of Arboriculture

ISA Announces search for the 2010 True Professionals of Arboriculture

Do you know a tree care provider who is a true professional of arboriculture? If so, you are encouraged to nominate them for the ISA True Professionals of Arboriculture Recognition award.

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National Register of Big Trees
Big trees are symbols of all the good work trees do for the quality of the environment-and our quality of life. MORE >>

Green Spaces Improve Health
(BBC News) There is more evidence that living near a 'green space' has health benefits. MORE >>

Why Leaves Really Fall Off Trees
(From NPR)– You think you know why leaves fall off trees. Well, you're wrong. It's not the wind. It's not the cold. MORE >>

National Tree Benefits Calculator
The Tree Benefit Calculator allows anyone to make a simple estimation of the benefits individual street-side trees provide. This tool is based on i-Tree’s street tree assessment tool called STRATUM. With inputs of location, species and tree size, users will get an understanding of the environmental and economic value trees provide on an annual basis. The Tree Benefit Calculator is intended to be simple and accessible. As such, this tool should be considered a starting point for understanding trees’ value in the community, rather than a scientific accounting of precise values. For more detailed information on urban and community forest assessments, visit the i-Tree website. MORE >>

USDA Newsroom
USDA's collection of "hot topic" press releases ranging from current pest alerts for specific regions of the United States to new trends in disease prevention and tree and plant care. MORE >>


"We have nothing to fear and a great deal to learn from trees, that vigorous and pacific tribe which without stint produces strengthening essences for us, soothing balms, and in whose gracious company we spend so many cool, silent and intimate hours." - Marcel Proust, Pleasures and Regrets, 1896

Resources

Think Trees

Brochures available through ISA Click Here

The Value of Trees
Imagine a world without trees. It's virtually impossible, because without trees we can't survive. Trees are essential to life and yet, they are taken for granted. Unfortunately, one million acres of forest are lost to city growth each year. MORE >>
© International Society of Arboriculture 2009
P.O. Box 3129, Champaign, IL 61826
Email comments & questions to isa@isa-arbor.com