Trees the Most Valuable Resource on Earth Today Free Essay Example

To install StudyMoose App tap and then “Add to Home Screen”

What is a Forest?

A forest is more than just a bunch of trees growing next to each other. A forest is a very complex system of animals and plants, living in and on fertile and suitable soil. Forests are divided up into five different levels or layers. These levels are the canopy, herb, shrub, understory, and the forest floor.

The canopy layer is the top layer. This is where photosynthesis takes place and it is also where the leafy tops of the trees are.

This layer is home to a variety of insects and squirrels. The next layer is the understory. This is made up of smaller trees and is home to birds and climbing animals. The third layer is known as the shrub layer. It is made up of shrubs and vines. It also provides nuts and berries. The next layer is the herb layer. This layer is made up of soft green plants and wildflowers. Birds, insects, snakes, and toads also nest there. The last and final layer is the forest floor. This is the thick fertile soil covered by twigs, branches, insects and detritus.

Why are Trees Important?

Trees are major erosion blockers. Their leaves intercept rain and lower the force of impact the water has on the ground. Each tiny rain drop is like a miniature bomb. It splatters and washes dirt away with it. Tree roots also hold in soil and keep it from washing away. People plant trees on mountain slopes and other similar places to prevent mud slides. This aspect makes trees a very valuable resource. Healthy forests serve as wonderful habitats.

It provides clean water, food, shelter, and the space that living organisms need to survive. Different animals need different habitats. The forest gives them this with a variety of places to live. All though some live on the ground, most of them live in trees. Insects live under the bark and worms, chipmunks, and shrews live under the roots. Others such as the Kentucky Wobbler, Red Tail Hawk, and a variety of other birds live in the branches. Destroying the forest destroys their home.

How to Help the Forest

Stewardship is a program that was made to care for our forests and trees. People who own forests are care takers for the next generation. Stewards put a lot of effort into taking care of the forest. They spend a lot of time to make sure the forest is growing properly. To become a steward you must have at least ten acres of forest land. It must either be used for production of wildlife habitat or for recreation and relaxation. Being a steward is a great way to help preserve our forests. If a forest or trees must be cut done there are proper ways to do so. They cut forests in three different ways, these are hygrating, shelterwood, and clear cut.

Hygrating is only cutting the best trees down. Shelterwood means to cut down fairly decent trees. Clear cutting means to cut down all the trees. Any tree that is cut down should be replaced. I prefer shelterwood, because it allows for more growth of a better species. Sometimes we have no other choice, but it should be done properly.

The Beauty of Trees

We use trees for beauty in scenic nature as well as for beauty in yards, parks, and other places. Trees also purify the air of pollution. Trees are sometime used in large cities to lower noise pollution. Forests are used for recreation. Their beauty attracts many tourists. They provide shade on hot days and allow relaxation. They are very lovely in the fall when their leaves are falling. Trees can do all this without being cut down. They are very important to our world today. If we didnát have trees our soil would be washed away, pollution and noise would be unbearable, and we would all soon die from the lack of oxygen in the air. My proposition to you the next time you are thinking of cutting a tree down, and are not going to replace it, is to remember this article and think twice before doing so.

References