Oct. 20, 2015
The two Maple trees on the corner of Prairie and Main St. were cut down recently, despite petitions to save them. According to the City of Whitewater website, Whitewater is a part of Tree City USA, which is a program devoted to “the importance of urban tree canopy.” Trees benefit people everywhere whether they are aware of it or not. Looking at a tree makes me feel powerful, and I enjoy their beauty every day in the early weeks of fall.
Trees should not be cut down just because of new buildings because trees happen to benefit buildings once they are built. Trees that are properly placed around buildings actually reduce our dependency on air conditioning by 30 percent, according to USDA Forest Service.
It is important to remember that trees provide oxygen to people and animals everywhere, while beautifying the world around us. They also provide us with a color show throughout the fall season. This is my favorite part about trees.
One acre of a forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide and delivers four tons of oxygen, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture. Clean air benefits everyone who lives near trees that are built in densely populated communities.
Arbor Day may be in April, but planting new trees can start now in your own community for the benefit of everyone. All you needs is garden gloves, soil, friends, elbow grease and a place where the tree will have access to sunlight.
Planting trees brings a community together by doing something good for everyone. It’s an opportunity to watch progress right in front of your eyes. Taking care of a tree will provide shade, beauty, and fresh air for future generations.
Ask yourself, when was the last time you walked along a space that needed a tree? Chances are, if you plant a tree that drops nuts, a nearby squirrel will pick up the nut and bury it, and grow new trees.
UW-Whitewater is fortunate to have such a beautiful campus filled with so many trees for squirrels to climb on and for everyone to enjoy. That is why it is important preserve the trees we hold dear to our hearts so we can teach others the importance of trees.
