Saving our Earth By Replanting Canopies
Tree canopies are considered one of the most beneficial ways of promoting biodiversity. Tree canopies are layers of leaves, branches and stems that cover the ground, all within just inches of each other (Watershed Forestry Resource Guide, 2008). Replanting tree canopies provide various benefits to the quality of air. Planting trees filter air quite efficiently, absorbing CO2 (which is a greenhouse gas produced in abundance from industries) as well as producing large amounts of oxygen. Seen from the picture on the left, the destruction of forests reduce the amount of CO2 absorbed, which means more CO2 gets into the atmosphere, therefore planting trees is important for air quality.
Tree canopies also promote biodiversity. They are homes for different types of species, from small bugs, birds to larger animals. They also provide food and nutrients to various species, and also protect them from harsh weather.
Soil benefits from tree canopies as well. Earth Day Network, who developed the Canopy Project, states that tree canopies reverse land degradation, along with preventing soil erosion. Tree canopies provide cover for soil, preventing erosion from wind and heat, keeping the soil rich. By causing less rainfall because of overhead branches, tree canopies decreases the amount of water that can get to the soil, which decreases the amount of runoff of chemicals that could be from nearby farms from leaching into the soil (Agroforestry, 2013). They also increase filtration in the soil, by absorbing nutrients as well as depositing unwanted nutrients back into the soil, which decomposes and can be used again. When leaves fall from the trees, they can be added into the soil as organic matter, which richens the soil. Tree roots also hold the soil in place, as well as absorbing water from the soil, preventing flooding.
Compared to other ways of restoring biodiversity, planting tree canopies is by far easiest. Prescribed fires are one other way of restoring biodiversity. These fires are controlled and meant to return nutrients to the ground by burning the decaying trees and plants (BC Wildfire Management Branch, 2012). Prescribed fires can also promote biodiversity by killing of insects that carry pathogens, states the Wildfire Management Branch. The main problem that makes these fires difficult is that they need to be constantly controlled, and can only be performed in certain environments due to smoke risks. Forest harvesting is another way of promoting biodiversity. Harvesting trees by methods such as patch systems only cut small areas of a forest, leaving the rest intact. This method is beneficial because it doesn’t affect wildlife greatly. Unfortunately, this system requires large machinery such as helicopters, which can affect the forest around it. Overall, replanting tree canopies is the easiest way to promote biodiversity and improve soil structure. And of course, tree canopies also provide aesthetic value, making earth look lovely.