Have you hiked through Angeles National Forest? In Santa Ana, we’re fortunate to be only a 45-minute drive away from this striking treasure trove of Douglas firs, Coulter pines, and California black walnut trees. At California Palms Apartments , we’re also lucky to have a beautiful array of trees right here. Everyone loves these tall green symbols of nature, but why do we need them in our community? Here are a few reasons why trees are important. 

With an average of 12,257 people living in every square mile of Bellflower, it can get noisy here! But did you know that trees muffle urban noise ? When planted in strategic places around a property, trees can help muffle noise from traffic, planes, and the hustle and bustle of the city.

Trees obviously have a cooling effect, but do you know how it works? First, they reduce the amount of sunlight that touches buildings. They also use transpiration cooling to cool the air; according to eXtension , “As trees release water into the atmosphere from their leaves via transpiration, the surrounding air is cooled as water goes from liquid to a vapor.” As your surroundings are cooler, you won’t need to use as much power to lower the temperature in your apartment. 

Urbanization leads to losses in native plant and animal life. But trees can provide a habitat for some of this wildlife. Birds can rear their young; flowers, fruits, and trees can provide food for birds and butterflies; and larger animals might feel comfortable darting through the cover of several trees planted close together. 

As you know, trees absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. But the amount is amazing: in 40 years, a typical hardwood tree will have sequestered approximately 1 ton of carbon dioxide. In other words, trees help keep our city air clean. 

Beyond the fact that they add so much beauty to our environment, there are tons of reasons why trees are important. They lessen noise pollution, can help lower power bills, increase urban biodiversity, and help keep the air clean.