How we can help take care of the trees

It is important to bear in mind that trees are one of the main sources of oxygen that we have on our planet. Thanks to them, the presence of this gas in the atmosphere increases and CO2 is reduced , the main cause of the greenhouse effect and, consequently, of climate change at a global level.

Just for these two benefits there are already enough reasons to take care of the trees . However, its benefits go much further, although many times we are not aware of it. Trees are especially important to counteract the presence of pollutants in the atmosphere, which becomes essential in cities. In fact, it is the best way to purify polluted air , which will have a direct impact on the health of people and animals living in an urban nucleus highly populated by trees.

Likewise, these same trees located in urban centers protect us from heat and high temperatures in summer, so they are the best way to counteract the so-called stove effect, which occurs when heat penetrates asphalt and concrete structures. and these end up turning into plates that radiate heat during the night. Trees help prevent this effect, preventing heat islands from occurring and allowing temperatures to be more stable.

In this way, it is essential that concrete actions are carried out to help care for existing trees , as well as to increase their presence in cities and in deforested rural areas.

Some of the actions to take care of the trees that the public authorities can carry out are the following:

Dedicate part of public budgets to take care of trees

It may seem very obvious, but it is not always done. Taking care of the trees, as well as expanding the existing forest area costs money, and the only way to obtain this money is by allocating a part of the public budget to this action.

Reforestation plans

In addition to taking care of the trees already present, a part of this public budget should be allocated to the implementation of reforestation plans that allow the expansion of the existing forest mass, both within and outside the cities.

In this other article we explain what reforestation is and its importance .

Develop a good forestry and fire prevention plan

Another of the most important aspects when it comes to protecting trees is avoiding fires. This can only be done through correct action in forestry and forest surveillance, as well as a prevention and action plan in case of fire that allows its rapid control and extinction.

Consult in this other article of AgroCorrn the consequences of a forest fire .

Plant trees native to the area

Another element that must be taken into account when carrying out reforestation plans (whether it is public or private organizations who carry them out) is that native trees of the area are chosen.

This, in addition to respecting the initial ecosystem, will reduce the cost of risk and maintenance, as well as increase the chances that the specific tree will grow and develop in a healthy and effective way. In this sense, it is essential to understand that, in front of the aesthetic argument, the practical one must prevail, which implies choosing trees that are developed properly, and not just that they are “beautiful”.

Pass and enforce laws that protect trees and natural heritage

Another fundamental element that falls to the public administration is to pass laws that protect trees in all possible areas, whether agricultural, livestock, industrial, urban or of any other nature. A good example would be laws that penalize the actions of arsonists in the mountains more seriously, as well as urban laws that guarantee that a burned ground cannot be buildable under any circumstances.

Likewise, although public bodies play a great role in protecting trees and forests, citizens also have a lot of power thanks to our individual actions on a day-to-day basis. Some of the most important actions that we can carry out at a private level to care for trees are the following:

Avoid starting fires in wooded or fire-risk areas

Most accidental fires are caused by barbecues, glass and glass thrown on the ground, or badly extinguished cigarette butts. In this sense, it is essential to avoid making fires in areas where, in addition to being prohibited, it may pose a fire risk. So the best thing is to make barbecues only in areas authorized for it, not to leave residues on the floors of the forests and fields, as well as not to leave cigarettes, much less without turning off completely.

Buy woods from sustainable plantations

Another way that citizens can take care of trees is by buying wood that comes from sustainable plantations. That is, they do not come from primary forests or places of doubtful origin. The best way to ensure that this is the case is by looking for the seal that certifies it.

Recycle paper and cardboard

On the other hand, recycling paper and cardboard helps reduce the demand for new wood with which to produce this material. Therefore, by recycling the paper and cardboard that we use and is in good condition for it, we improve the health of forests and trees in general. Remember that these materials go to the blue container, here you can consult What is recycled in the blue container to know exactly what products can go in it to be recycled.

Consume less paper and cardboard

Recycling is a good way to protect trees. But if you manage to reduce your consumption of paper and cardboard, you will avoid that many lands have to be used for planting trees for wood and paper, so your action will be even more effective.

Participate in reforestation programs

A very active and tangible way of caring for trees is to participate in reforestation activities. These activities are usually carried out by NGOs or public administration programs, which helps to make them more enjoyable and to have all the necessary materials to carry them out. However, if you want to do it individually or just with our friends and family, it is also an option.

Collaborate in organizations with reforestation programs

In the event that going out to the field to plant trees is not what you most want, another option is to collaborate financially with organizations that do this work for you. Currently, there are different associations and NGOs that carry out this type of work altruistically. However, they need money with which to finance these types of activities. That is where the work of the anonymous citizen is indispensable.

Consume products from companies responsible for forests

This is, perhaps, one of the most powerful actions that citizens have to influence the health of trees, as well as in almost any aspect that favors ecological activities by large companies. Imagine that you arrive at the supermarket and you have to choose between two products, and you know that one of them is made with an oil that has been planted in a land that has been specifically deforested (for example, palm oil from the Amazon region), while the other has been planted on local land without having to deforest any hectare of forest to do so. Which one do you think will be better for you to buy?

Another example of a product that is in fashion is Wood and cork sunglasses , like the ones we show you in this other article, which are totally ecological, reusable and recyclable, much better than plantation wood sunglasses in which they are has deforested or that plastic ones.

Make responsible use of water

Another aspect that helps to take care of trees is the responsible use of water. Water is a much scarcer natural resource than it seems, precisely due to our great dependence on it. Trees need water to live, so all the water that you manage to save will help to make better use of it, favoring that those areas that need it can be irrigated and that the aquifers are in good condition.

Educating children to learn the value of trees

Another fundamental element in caring for trees is that the new generations are aware of how important they are. To do this, it is essential to teach it to children from an early age through environmental education , which will train responsible adults who are committed to the environment.

Put pressure on city councils to protect and expand green areas

Although we have already talked about the actions that public administrations can carry out, citizens can ask them to implement them, as well as propose solutions that are later applied by public institutions. Although all political levels must collaborate, the local administrations, led by the City Council, are the ones that are closest to the citizens, which makes it easier for them to listen to us and take into consideration our requests in matters protection and expansion of the presence of trees in our towns and cities.

If you want to read more articles similar to How we can help take care of trees , we recommend that you enter our category of Other ecology .