Learn about the importance of trees to the well being of man

In most of the places where people are, trees also are present. Trees may be scattered singly or together in what we call a forest. Trees are very important to us and their value cannot be under estimated. I wish to share with you the great values we have in trees so that you develop a mind to conserve the existing ones and possibly plant more if you can.

Trees use sunlight energy to make food during photosynthesis. The plant uses some of this food for its respiration, growth and development and the rest is store for other organisms which cannot make their own food. 

The food that trees (plants) make is stored in:-

• ·         Seeds
• ·         Fruits
• ·         Stems
• ·         Roots
• ·         Or leaves.

On such food the animals depend for their nutrition. The food that is made comes in forms of carbohydrates (energy giving), proteins (body building), lipids (fats and oils), vitamins (for proper body functioning), and roughages. 

In photosynthesis trees release oxygen, the gas that supports animal life in respiration. Oxygen is used by divers when they swim into deep waters. Mountain climbers may also use it. Astronauts have no option. Every day we use it to support burning in different ways like cooking in homes, burning garbage, motor vehicle engines, welding activities.

Trees are wind breaks. They reduce the speed of wind. Wind at high speed destroys buildings, and lifts dust into the air. With trees in place, such problems are reduced to the minimal levels.

Trees, more so in a forest reduces the impact of rain drops on soil. When they do that, the rate of soil erosion is reduced and in this way soil is conserved and its fertility is maintained. With good soils man and other living creatures can get food to meet their nutritional requirements.

Trees also reduce the impact of direct sunlight on soil. When the sun hits the soil directly, the water there is lost by evaporation. The soils dry up and the ability to support germinating seeds and growing crops reduces.

When leaves from fall, the ground is fully covered. This is a way of mulching, but also a way of recycling minerals into the soil. The leaves decompose and the minerals locked up in them return to the soil.

The tree roots help to bind soil particles together. In this way the bound particles are not easily carried away by the agents of soil erosion such as running water and wind.

Trees are a very important source of medicine which treats human and other animals. I think you have seen herbalists where you come from. Haven’t you yourself used any tree parts for medicine? Even our tablets are made from plant extracts. I was informed by a biology expert in Zoology that in his research on animals he had observed monkeys go to a certain kind of trees to feed on their whenever they got sick to treat themselves.

Trees give beauty to our environment. Have you ever imagined staying in an environment without trees? The green environment is so good for us to enjoy. People always go back to nature to relax and rejuvenate their minds.

When trees flower, natures’ beauty again increases. Flowers come in different colors of white, red, blue, purple, orange, yellow, and others. We like the flowers, we decorate our functions with them, and they beautify our compounds. Artificially, people make flowers which we buy to decorate our houses at a cost. Preserve the trees to get flowers freely.

Woody trees provide us with firewood and charcoal. Without these fuels life would be impossible to so many. I agree there are other fuel sources, but not many people can afford them.

Trees are a source of timber from which we make furniture. Almost in every house there is something wooden. Look at your chairs, tables, cupboards, roof, beds etc. Behind every wooden object, there is a tree.

Trees keep the environment cool. It is always man’s desire to relax under shades with a cool gentle breeze. They form a favorable environment for the well being of man.

Some trees give important products. I think you have seen or heard of rubber trees. From the rubber after hardening it we manufacture important products like tyres, carpets, shoes, gloves, and condoms.

Soft wooded trees are used to make papers. We use papers almost every day. Where would we have written if papers were not there! And again where would we have got the papers, if the trees were absent?

Forests make habitats for so many animals. On some of those animals, man depends for food, yet others are just admired because of their looks and behaviors. Destruction of forests means loss of these animals.

Dear, the reader of this message, trees contribute so much toward our well being. My plea to you is to conserve them. In a good environment, life is safe and in a distorted environment, life is in danger.