1.
Cut soil erosion
Rows of trees break the wind on flatter lands and healthy forests protect soil
from water erosion on hillsides.
2.
Improve air & water quality
A forest floor of leaves and decaying wood acts as a giant sponge by absorbing,
filtering, and holding water; one acre of trees provides fresh, clean oxygen
for seven people and will clean the air polluted by eight cars operated for 12
hours.
3.
Increase income
Properly managed trees can provide excellent sources of income, such as the
sale of trees or wood products.
4.
Save energy
Recent studies show windbreaks can reduce winter fuel consumption by 10 to 30
percent. Trees also save energy by shading-one tree has the cooling effect of
five air conditioners.
5.
Protect livestock
Trees reduce the wind and can significantly reduce animal stress. Livestock not
only need less feed, but their gains are higher. Shade provided by trees is
also helpful to animals on very hot summer days.
6.
Sound barrier
Trees and windbreaks reduce noise from high-speed traffic and other sounds.
Plant leaves, branches, and twigs all absorb sounds of different frequencies.
7.
Home for wildlife
Wooded areas make valuable cover, nesting, and breeding areas for upland game
and songbirds. In winter, when all other food is blanketed with snow, seeds and
fruits of trees and shrubs provide food for nonmigratory species.
8.
Living snow fence
In snow country, properly locating a living fence of trees and shrubs parallel
to your driveway or highway helps hold snow on the fields and off the roads.
9.
Improve crop yields
Soil particles blown by strong winds frequently damage small crops. Yields also
may be lowered by the effects of hot winds. Trees protect against these
hazards.
10.
Beautify the countryside
Well-kept wooded areas, windbreaks, and other tree plantings undeniably enhance
the aesthetic value of individual farms and the countryside.