Without trees, there is no concept of life. From being the major source of oxygen to playing a role as a habitat for multiple species, trees are the universal providers. Planting a variety of trees increases the scope of the benefits we get from them. In non-scientific terminology, growing trees belonging to many different species in a forest or urban setting is called “tree diversity.” Organisms like bacteria, fungi, insects, animals, and birds are collectively termed “biodiversity.”
With the diversity of trees comes a diversified version of all other organisms’ life. Whether in a rainforest or an urban area, a variety of insects, animals, smaller plants, and microorganisms are connected to a single tree. So, if we plant different tree species, the benefits for all other organisms will multiply.
- Tree Diversity Enhances Wildlife:
Growing trees of various species enhance life for other organisms. Many organisms inhabit a certain area because their preferred type of trees grows there. For instance, the hackberry butterfly inhabits the hackberry tree. This tree produces a specific variety of seeds and fruits, which becomes food for other small mammals. Another example is sugar maple. It serves as a home to many nesting birds like chickadees and woodpeckers.
We know that colorful flowers and nectars attract hummingbirds. The tree “Ohio buckeye” is famous for its fruits and huge-sized vibrant flowers. These fruits become the food for squirrels and beavers, while flowers play an important role in pollination via hummingbirds and several other insects. So, tree diversity enhances the existing wildlife habitat.
The white spruce is a great example. This tree from the family Pinaceae grows mostly in Canada and Alaska. The chickadees and nuthatches feed on the seeds produced by this tree for the whole winter season. The point here is that trees from different specie ensure the survival of many other organisms. We know that resources of food, water, and habitat are decreasing for animals due to the lifestyle of human beings. Planting a variety of trees helps to overcome these shortages in a natural way.
- Diversity of Trees Serves as a Supporters Of Ecosystem
The ecosystem is a complete and balanced system where every organism can survive. For human beings, the benefits that come directly or indirectly from nature are called ecosystem services. There are many criteria on which we judge if the ecosystem is healthy or not. The major one is the biodiversity of that region.
After this comes the quality of life there. The level of pollution is another factor that measures if the ecosystem is healthy or not. All these factors improve by planting trees from different species in any ecosystem. A balanced and productive ecosystem supports the ideal health of all the organisms living in it. Producing only one species of tree is not enough to maintain a healthy and balanced ecosystem. The same trees cannot sustain a diversified variety of other organisms. Having tree diversity supports the ecosystem as well as beautifies the scenery. Multiple types of trees mean numerous types of flowers, nectars, leaves, and scenery.
- Tree Diversity Increases the Age of Urban Forests:
The trees in urban areas combat many issues such as air or water pollution, soil erosion, stormwater runoff, etc. The tolerance and ability to handle the problems like these vary from species to species. Planting a variety of different types of trees allows urban areas to benefit from the strengths of each type in the urban environment.
Conclusion:
Trees are essential to life on this planet. By planting a variety of trees, we can maintain our ecosystem. An improved ecosystem is beneficial to all organisms. Hence, tree diversity has multiple benefits for forests as well as our cities.
