The Importance of Planting Trees 

In August of 2020, the city of Cedar Rapids lost approximately 23,000 publicly-owned trees due to the derecho. With spring just around the corner, it’s time to think about planting (or replanting) trees! Spring is an ideal time to plant trees because they have enough time to establish roots before they are exposed to stressors like high heat, low temperatures or not enough water.

Planting trees is one of the easiest and most sustainable ways to positively affect the environment. Read on to see how trees make a difference.

Benefits of Trees:

Ecological & Environmental Value: Trees contribute to their environment by providing oxygen, improving air quality, climate enhancement, conserving water, preserving soil, and supporting wildlife.

Personal & Spiritual Value: Most of us react to the presence of trees with a pleasant, relaxed, comfortable feeling. In fact, many people plant trees as living memorials of life-changing events.

Practical Value: Along with apples, oranges and the countless fruits and nuts provided by trees, the bark of some trees can be made into cork and is a source of chemicals and medicines. Quinine and aspirin are both made from bark extracts.