7 Benefits of Planting Trees for Social and Economic Growth

The benefits of planting trees are essential for the well-being, tranquility, and survival of the planet and its inhabitants. In addition, trees improve the air quality and the water cycle, combat climate change, preserve biodiversity, and bring many other environmental benefits.

8 Environmental Benefits of Planting Trees That the World Needs

Similarly, trees have a significant impact on human society and the economy. They positively impact human progress, harmony, and peace of mind. 

1. Trees Improve Physical and Mental Health

In addition to the fact that trees improve our health by increasing oxygen in the air and reducing carbon dioxide, the benefits of tree plantations and spending time among trees increase our health in several other ways, including boosting our immune system and breathing in phytoncides that have antibacterial and antifungal qualities. Being in the forest reduces anxiety, depression, anger, confusion, and fatigue and improves concentration and patience.   

Research has even shown that children diagnosed with ADHD show reduced symptoms when exposed to the forest. Patients with green vision recover faster and better than others.¹ Urban trees limit children's asthma attacks.² Trees prevent skin cancer by reducing UV exposure.³ The advantages and effects of trees on our health are countless. The more exposure to trees, the healthier the mind and the body. 

2. Trees Increase Property Values

By planting a tree around the house, the value of the property increases. A tree-lined nature strip can add 30 percent to the property value⁴ and make the residents benefit from other advantages of trees.

3. Trees Provide Employment and Income 

Trees can boost the economy of local people. Farming, selling products, tending gardens, transportation of wood materials, collecting and selling wood, construction, and woodworking are just a few of the jobs that will be created as a result of planting a forest. 

Many industries, such as paper, furniture, flooring, and construction, depend on wood. Unlike fossil fuels, trees are a natural and sustainable resource. As the population grows and the world economy develops, the demand for forest products increases. According to a 2016 World Bank estimation, the market for global industrial round wood alone is predicted to quadruple by 2050. As one of the interesting benefits of trees, consumers were willing to pay up to 12 percent more for goods and services in shopping areas with large, well-maintained trees.⁵

4. Trees Strengthen Social Bonds

Because trees create healthy air and improve human health, they have an impact on strengthening social relationships. Studies related to the social advantages of planting trees at the University of Illinois in 2005 show that residents of public housing with green trees around their buildings knew more people and had stronger feelings of unity with their neighbors. Moreover, studies at the University of Minnesota showed that time in nature makes people more connected to each other and the larger world.⁶

5. Trees Reduce Crime Rates

Entering the forest and communicating with its elements removes stress and negative psychological symptoms. At the same time, fewer crimes happen in wooded areas, and 25% less violence is reported.⁷

For every 10% increase in the tree canopy, there is a decrease of 15% in violent crimes and 14% in property crime rates.⁸ Studies measuring brain activity have shown other attractive tree benefits to humans. Fewer crimes happen in wooded areas, and viewing nature scenes lights up parts of the brain associated with empathy and love. Nature seems to inspire feelings that connect us to our surroundings.⁶

6. Trees Beautify the Neighborhood

Trees beautify neighborhoods and landscapes. They give spirit to the seasons. In the spring, they improve the human spirit with their beautiful blossoms. In the summer, they create beautiful landscapes with colorful fruits. In autumn, their yellow, orange, and red leaves give a pleasant beauty to the alleys and streets. In winter, they create beautiful scenes by keeping the snow on their branches. As we see, trees' benefits to humans are immeasurable.   

7. Trees Provide Food Security

According to the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO), published in 2015, trees contribute to humans' food systems and provide food security in many ways. The benefits of trees to humans include providing us with various healthy products, including fruits, edible leaves, nuts, seeds, and edible oils that can be used for food and medicine.

Altogether… 

We all live on a shared planet and under the same sky. Regardless of who we are or where we live, Earth is a gift to us all. To improve our environment and air quality, we must cooperate. One of the most important things we can do to protect the Earth, ourselves, and all other living things is to plant trees. Trees can efficiently safeguard our physical and mental health, and they can also foster solid social ties and offer us a variety of other gastronomic, environmental, and economic benefits. Trees are essential to human life on Earth. For us, trees always perform the most lucrative tasks. So why should we stop caring about the benefits of planting trees?