It’s National Tree Day in Canada, a day to celebrate the benefits of tree such as clean air and connecting us with nature.
According to Tree Canada, trees help us live longer, healthier lives because time in nature reduces stress, speeds healing and improves mental health.
Research shows adding 10 trees to a city block offers the same benefits of getting a $10,000 raise in your salary or instantly becoming seven years younger.
Trees also reduce the effects of climate change by naturally cooling cities.
A mature tree lifts nearly 400 litres of water out of the ground so it can naturally prevent flooding.
The shade they provide can help us feel up to 15 degrees cooler on a hot summer day and reduce air conditioning costs by 20 to 30 percent.
Volunteers plant trees on National Tree Day. (submitted)
Trees also increase property value because mature trees in a well-landscaped yard can boost a home’s value up to 19 percent.
They also help reduce crime because a 10 percent increase in tree canopy can lead to a 12 percent decrease in neighbourhood crime.
