Trees can cool the area around them by as much as 3 degrees
or more – by providing shade and transpiration from their leaves. 3 degrees does not
sound much, but during a heat wave it can mean the difference between life and death.
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| Shade from trees can save lives and lower energy use - Drouin today. |
Trees filter pollutants from the air. The leaves and bark of
trees can absorb pollutants such as nitrogen
dioxide, sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide. They can filter particulates from
the air before they enter our lungs.
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| Pollution-absorbing trees save our lungs |
In some cities now, the public health departments are
closely linked to the urban forestry departments.
The cognitive and psychological benefits of associating with
natural vegetation have been suspected for some time. Recent research has
actually measured health benefits associated with living in a well-treed
suburb. One very large Canadian study was able to show a direct correlation
between lower rates of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity and more, and
the increased number of public trees in a neighbourhood.
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| Drouin of the future? |
Air quality alone in highly treed environments does not
account for the measurable improvements in health benefits. Reduced stress
levels are evident in populations living near trees which of course leads to
improved physical health.
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| These life enhancing trees on private property are earmarked for removal! |
Studies with children show that students exposed to more
green environments within their school and their neighbourhood, have better
working memories and levels of attentiveness.
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| Trees near schools help provide enhanced learning skills |
Trees – nature’s own panacea!
