The Role of Green Plants in Urban Ecosystems

Since ancient times, human life has always been closely linked and inseparable from nature. Therefore, anyone standing before natural elements (water, plants, flowers, mountains, etc.) feels a sense of tranquility and relief, as if finding a peaceful haven after the hustle and bustle of life. Green trees are an essential part of nature, so it is no surprise that they play a significant role in our lives.

1. Improves living environments

One of the greatest benefits of trees in urban areas is that they significantly improve the living environment for residents. With high population density and emissions from factories and vehicles, urban areas commonly suffer from severely polluted air. Trees help enhance air quality by absorbing toxic gases such as NO₂, CO₂, and CO. According to various studies, trees can absorb up to 6% of various harmful emissions. Trees act as the lungs of the city.

Trees help block wind and reduce noise.

Additionally, trees absorb radiation and release moisture, making the stifling urban air cooler and fresher. When harsh sunlight is present, tree canopies provide shelter for individuals, protecting them from harmful health effects.

Moreover, trees help block wind and reduce noise, contributing to a quieter living environment for residents.

2. Aids in drainage

A common issue in many urban areas is that drainage systems become overloaded during the rainy season while lacking sufficient water for consumption in the dry season. Trees help reduce pressure on drainage systems by retaining rainwater. On average, a common tree can retain between 200 to 290 liters of water in a year. Additionally, the canopy of trees can act as an effective water filtration barrier, helping to retain groundwater.

3. Balances the ecosystem

Cities with dense populations and closely packed buildings significantly impact the lives of various animal species. Therefore, trees provide habitats, water, and food for birds, reptiles, and other wildlife.

Furthermore, trees help reduce the infiltration of pollutants by intercepting rainwater.

Trees are always regarded as one of the indicators of urban civilization. They play a crucial role in mitigating the negative impacts of industrialization, beautifying landscapes, and improving the living environment for people.

4. Reduces environmental pollution

Planting more trees provides a large amount of oxygen for us to breathe.

Environmental pollution is a serious concern in most countries worldwide. The phenomenon of global warming, along with severe noise, light pollution, and dust, adversely affects the lives and health of citizens. The primary causes are rapid economic development and deforestation.

Since ancient times, trees have been considered the “lungs” of the Earth. Planting more trees helps provide a large amount of oxygen for us to breathe. On average, a single tree can supply enough oxygen for four people. At the same time, they absorb CO₂, ammonia, SO₂, nitrogen oxides, dust, and more, thus reducing harmful gases released into the environment and making the air cleaner.

5. Lowers street temperatures

Planting more trees in densely populated areas not only makes the air cleaner but also provides shade that blocks sunlight, reducing the harmful effects of solar radiation on people. Tree leaves utilize sunlight for photosynthesis. Trees also absorb toxic gases emitted from vehicles, restaurants, factories, waste, and the heat generated by humans, thus helping to reduce temperatures.

6. Conserves energy

According to some studies, planting about three trees around a home can cut the need for air conditioning by 50%. A single tree can cool ten rooms. By reducing energy demands, we not only save on electricity bills but also help decrease the amount of CO₂ emitted from power plants.

Planting more trees around your home will help regulate indoor air, keeping it cooler and fresher, ensuring you get a good night’s sleep.

7. Mitigates ultraviolet radiation effects

As analyzed above, trees provide shade that protects pedestrians from direct sunlight. This helps reduce the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays on our skin.

8. Improves human health

Living in a quiet, fresh, clean environment will improve health.

Environmental pollution negatively impacts our health, leading to a decline in well-being due to constant exposure to toxic dust and the effects of light and noise pollution. Diseases related to cardiovascular and respiratory systems, such as heart failure, hypertension, asthma, and impaired vision and hearing, are all linked to this condition.

Living in a quiet, fresh, clean environment will enhance health. Planting more trees is a natural and long-term solution to improve this situation.

9. Creates economic opportunities

Planting fruit trees can improve our income, and cultivating beautiful ornamental trees can enhance the landscape and create a unique identity for the country, attracting tourism and thus stimulating economic growth.

10. Combats climate change

The excess carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere is a primary factor contributing to climate change. As we know, trees absorb CO₂, removing and storing carbon while releasing oxygen back into the atmosphere, helping to combat this phenomenon. Therefore, we need to plant many trees not only to help mitigate climate change but also to provide humans with a “cleaner” life.

11. Reduces violence

An often-overlooked issue is that in residential areas or urban neighborhoods with fewer trees, violence rates tend to be higher. Trees act as a form of mental therapy, helping individuals reduce fear, improve mental well-being, and foster friendlier relationships between people.

12. Marks the seasons of the year

Isn’t it true that seeing trees budding or changing colors can help us identify the seasons? Trees serve as a sign that makes it easy for us to recognize the changing seasons.

13. A sanctuary for the soul

Trees are like friends to everyone, young and old.

Trees truly are like friends to everyone, young and old, regardless of gender. They help each individual feel lighter in spirit and provide a space for contemplation.

14. Connects people

A single tree can symbolize an entire neighborhood or alley, such as a banyan tree at the village entrance that serves as a gathering place for people, a landmark for travelers, or simply a playground for children.

15. Provides a source of wood

In suburban and rural areas, trees can be selectively harvested for fuel and various types of timber.

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