It is often said that trees are the lungs of the Earth, and rightly so. Trees have this incredible ability to separate carbon from oxygen, release oxygen into the air, and trap carbon in their branches, roots, and trunk. This carbon, known to be the primary cause of climate change, is transformed by the tree into organic matter that serves as its food. To date, planting trees is the only way to positively impact the climate once greenhouse gases have been emitted. Of course, the priority solution remains reducing GHG emissions at the source, but planting trees and maintaining them for a long time is another step in the fight against climate change.
Deciduous or coniferous?
All trees are champions of carbon sequestration, but at different levels. It is the leaves, or needles in the case of conifers, that allow the absorption and transformation of CO2. The larger the surface area of the leaf, the more efficiently it can do its job. Deciduous trees are therefore more efficient than conifers, although the latter are not far behind. Moreover, forests or green spaces comprising multiple tree species are more effective than those that are less diverse. Not to mention that diversification and biodiversity help in cases of pest infestations that often target a single tree species – think of the emerald ash borer, for example.
The life cycle of the tree
It takes a few years for trees to reach maturity and be at the peak of their performance in terms of carbon sequestration. Young seedlings trap less carbon than their larger and more foliage-rich neighbors. The tree traps carbon throughout its active life. It is only during decomposition or if it burns in a forest fire that the tree releases carbon back into the soil and atmosphere. If the tree is cut down while still growing to be used for construction timber, it continues to sequester carbon more effectively than those that end their useful life in the wild.
Forest fires have a disastrous impact on the climate. Not only do they destroy thousands of hectares of forest, but tons of CO2 are emitted during the fire. Burned trees also release the carbon they have stored for decades. Knowing that a large part of forest fires are caused by human activities, it is the responsibility of every forest user to do everything in their power to limit the risks.
Offsetting GHG emissions through tree planting
Obviously, the best GHGs are those we do not produce. Several concrete actions can be taken daily to reduce one's own GHG emissions. For those that cannot be eliminated at the source, there are ways to offset them. Some companies assist individuals, groups, or businesses that wish to cancel their GHG emissions by planting trees. A calculation allows one to know each person's carbon emissions and see how many trees need to be planted to achieve a zero balance. Make sure to work with a recognized and transparent company so that your carbon credits are truly applied wisely.
Trees have a host of other benefits in landscaping; they provide shade, regulate temperature, offer shelters for insects and small animals, and bring life and beauty everywhere. Planting one or more trees at home will not only improve your carbon footprint but also allow you to enjoy cleaner and fresher air.
Visit your Passion Jardins retailer to choose your tree and receive advice on planting and maintenance.
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