Cut soil erosion: Rows of trees break the wind on flatter lands and healthy forests protect soil from water erosion on hillsides.

 

Improve air and 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.

 

Increase income: Properly managed trees can provide excellent sources of income, such as the sale of trees or wood products.

 

Save energy: Studies have shown that 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.

 

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.

 

Sound barriers: Trees and windbreaks reduce noise from high-speed traffic and other sounds.  Plant leaves, branches, and twigs all absorb sounds of different frequencies.

 

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 non-migratory species. 

 

Living snow fence: In snow country, properly planting a living fence of trees and shrubs parallel to your driveway or highway helps hold snow on the fields and off the roads.

 

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.

 

Beautify the countryside: Well-kept wooded areas, windbreaks and other tree plantings undeniably enhance the aesthetic value of individual farms and the countryside.