I agree, we need to plant many more trees.
Trees have medicinal uses: 1 of 4 pharmaceutical products is plant-based. Some examples include extracts from the yew trees (Taxusspp.) used in chemotherapy drugs (“Taxol”), aspirin and creams
Trees provide food for people and animals (fruit, berries, and nuts)
Trees make the air more breathable by reducing particulate matter (What Trees Can Do to Reduce Atmospheric CO2 PDF)
By planting trees and shrubs, you can reduce noise pollution
Tree-lined streets increase traffic safety by making streets appear narrower
Trees capture carbon and become carbon ‘sinks’ which reduce the Greenhouse Effect
Trees’ root systems help prevent soil erosion, which prevents water pollution
Trees provide shade that cools water, benefitting certain species of fish (notably salmonids) – their roots and branches provide space for fish to hide from predators
Properties with trees are generally valued higher in the real estate market
Trees provide employment in the forestry field: foresters, arborists, lumber, research, tree workers, etc.
Trees provide recreation and attract tourists: hiking trails, campgrounds
Trees provide shade in the summer, which saves on air conditioning costs, conifers insulate homes in the winter, reducing heating costs
Trees shade asphalt, making streets and parking lots cooler and extend the life of the asphalt
Trees planted in fields shield against wind and snow and help protect crops
Trees beautify the landscape and block out unattractive views
Trees provide shelter for wildlife
Trees provide health benefits such as stress reduction and speed the healing process
Trees bring us closer to nature and help us to reconnect with culture
Studies show that hospital patients with window view of trees recovered significantly faster and with fewer complications than comparable patients without access to such views.
Trees intercept rainfall and reduce run-off, thereby functioning like retention/detention basins.
The psychological impact of trees on people’s moods, emotions and enjoyment of their surroundings may in fact be one of the greatest benefits urban forests provide.
One large tree can provide a day’s oxygen for up to four people.
You need about 500 full-sized trees to absorb the carbon dioxide produced by a typical car driven 20,000 km/year.
One large tree can lift up to 100 gallons of water out of the ground and discharge it into the air in one day.