In celebration of Arbor Day this Friday, many will take steps to keep our Earth green. Planting trees is certainly a positive step; trees provide shade, harbor wildlife and help beautify a yard. But they do much more than that.
Reduce Stress
Primitive carvings and drawings tell us that early civilizations valued plants for more than their shade and fruit. They planted sacred and formal gardens and groves for their beauty. Today we know that the aesthetic qualities of trees provide health benefits too. Texas A&M's Dr. Roger S. Ulrich reported that visual exposure to settings with trees produced significant recovery from stress within five minutes, as indicated by changes in blood pressure and muscle tension.
Improve Air & Water Quality
Many already know that trees improve the air we breath by absorbing pollutants and carbon dioxide. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one acre of forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide and puts out four tons of oxygen every year.
Trees also help keep our drinking water clean. Here in Milwaukee there is a movement to reduce the amount of rainwater that gushes into our city's sewer system, especially after large rains. When sewers get full, they overflow and potentially pollute lakes and rivers. As Milwaukee is nestled next to one of the largest freshwater lakes, Lake Michigan, this is especially important. Trees soak up more water than asphalt or grass. They are an integral part of improving Milwaukee's water quality. In fact, it is estimated that the city's trees reduce storm water flow by 22%. Trees currently make up 16% of the city's canopy cover and the goal is to increase it to 40%.
Help Celebrate a Life
At Krause Funeral Homes we've helped families plant trees as living memorials. Some choose to help restore or create a forest with seedlings planted in memory of their loved one. Others find comfort in planting a tree in a favorite place. A tree symbolizes the natural circle of life and can help the grieving process by providing something beautiful to nurture. We also provide reasonably priced living plant and tree options for people to send to grieving family and friends.
These are a few of the ideas we offer when helping families celebrate the life of a loved one. Krause Funeral Homes' Directors concentrate 100% of their focus on listening and assisting families prepare meaningful tributes. They are trained beyond state requirements with in-depth courses on sensitivity, ethics and ways to create meaningful, personal services.
Whether your goal is to help a grieving friend or just provide a shady spot for summer naps, planting a tree is a great way to help future generations benefit from a green planet.
Contact us for more information.