General Tree Biology Trees and the Environment Record-setting Trees Trees and Science Contact Us

Home > Fun Facts About Trees > General

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
	Warning: Check Tree-care Credentials Several autumn fatalities linked to dangerous tree care practices are prompting a coalition of arborists and urban foresters to urge contractors (and others) to hire only certified tree-care professionals. MORE >> Best Trees For The Street Scientist John Hammond of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s chief scientific research agency, has announced the findings of a four-year project to determine the best trees to use in urban spaces. MORE >> Bradford Pears Not Kind to Cities This tree species has weak branch connections and limbs are prone to falling down. MORE >> Selling Houses By the Yard Worried home owners hope landscaping adds value- from the Wall Street Journal MORE >> 2007 Tree of the Year Baldcypress named tree of the year by Society of Municipal Arborists (SMA) MORE >> 17-year Cicadas Threaten Midwest The 17-year cicada (Magicicada septendecim) wreaked havoc across the Midwest in 1990. Now landscaping experts worry about that generation’s offspring descending like a plague this spring. MORE >> NADF Hardiness Zone Map Find out the right tree to plant where you live MORE >>

"The mighty oak was once a little nut that firmly stood it's ground."

	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 >>