How trees help

Trees exchange vital nutrients between the soil and the vegetation, nourishing and sustaining the lives of millions of people worldwide.

From microbes to insects, trees support diverse plant and animal species that help the planet to function properly.

Trees are the lungs of the planet. They exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide within the atmosphere, removing harmful airborne particles and improving the air we breathe.

Trees regulate the flow and use of water by intercepting rain and releasing it slowly to the ground where it can either run off into rivers or enter the groundwater.

Spending time near trees and woodland improves our mental and physical wellbeing as this increases our energy levels, decreasing stress and the risk of high blood pressure.

Trees increase soil fertility as they attract and sustain large populations of soil microorganisms. They reduce soil erosion and aid in soil formation through weathering of rocks, while adding foliage and anchoring soil in place.

Fast growing species are used by smallholder farmers to make animal fodder or timber which is then harvested and sold, providing them with diverse income sources.

Trees offer essential services such as increased rainfall during times of drought, improved flood control and climate regulation.

Trees act as a natural air conditioner as they provide shade and help prevent against heatstroke.

Through agroforestry, smallholder farmers plant different species to improve soil fertility and water quality which in turn increase agricultural productivity.