It is very important that communities plant trees in an effort to beautify public spaces.  Trees are important in many ways.  The most important way trees are important is that they provide oxygen as a byproduct of their respiration.  Without that oxygen the air on Earth is not breathable for human beings.  This seems so simple, yet communities all across the nation clear land for development and never plant back in as many trees as were removed.  Our planet is not habitable without air to breathe.

The second thing trees do is provide homes for birds, insects, and lots of other animals that need shelter.  A large shade tree may be home to more than 20 species of wild animals. This biodiversity is essential for maintaining a healthy balance of life on Earth.

The third thing that trees do for us is provide some climate control.  In the spring when the leaves come out, the trees provide valuable shade from the sun.  The shade keeps us cool and reduces our sun exposure.  On the reverse side of that, during the winter, the trees loose their leaves and allow valuable sunlight and warmth to shine on us during the coldest days of the year.