Eight reasons why trees are important

CEBU, Philippines - A man was asked, “What is the best thing you like about Riverdale?” He answered, “The trees.” Riverdale is a 13-hectare master-planned community filled with lush full-gown trees spread amongst undulating hills within Cebu City. Developed by the country’s largest pioneering housing developer Camella Communities, a Vista Land & Lifescapes’ company, Riverdale is fresh and cool with the trees providing all the freshness.

So what’s so special about trees? Here we share with you the top eight reasons why trees are important.

1) Trees produce oxygen: A mature leafy tree produces as much oxygen in a season as 10 people inhale in a year.

2) Trees make effective sound barriers: Trees muffle urban noise almost as effectively as stone walls. Trees, planted at strategic points in a neighborhood or around your house, can abate major noises from freeways and airports.

3) Trees become “carbon sinks”: To produce its food, a tree absorbs and locks away carbon dioxide, a global warming suspect. An urban forest is a carbon storage area

that can lock up as much carbon as it produces.

4) Trees clean the air: Trees help cleanse the air by intercepting airborne particles, reducing heat, and absorbing such pollutants as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Trees remove this air pollution by lowering air temperature, through

respiration, and by retaining particulates.

5) Trees shade and cool: Shade from trees reduces the need for air conditioning in summer. In winter, trees break the force of winter winds, lowering heating costs. Studies have shown that parts of cities without cooling shade from trees can literally be

“heat islands,” with temperatures as much as 12 degrees Fahrenheit higher than surrounding areas.

6) Trees act as windbreaks: During windy and cold seasons, trees act as windbreaks. A

windbreak can lower home heating bills up to 30%. A reduction in wind can also reduce the drying effect on other vegetation behind the windbreak.

7) Trees fight soil erosion: Trees fight soil erosion, conserve rainwater, and reduce water

runoff and sediment deposit after storms.

8) Trees increase property values: Real estate values increase when trees beautify a property or neighborhood. Trees can increase the property value of your home by 15% or more.

Best of all, trees are beautiful and the sight of them soothes the soul. See for yourself how beautiful the trees are at Riverdale. Call Camella Communities at Tel. No. +6332-2533403 or visit their office at the G/F, Dakay Bldg., Escario St., Capitol Site, Cebu City for free site visits. You may also log in to www.camella comm.com for more project details.