Trees

Trees the Most Valuable 

Resource on Earth Today     
     Forests are one of the most valuable resources on the planet today. Without forests it would be almost impossible for any living thing to survive. But, with this in mind many people destroy forests. It is as though theydon’t even care that they are dooming themselves as well as the trees. Hopefully through this article I can help save the forest and help human kind, as well as all other organisms, by tellinghow important the forest is and how it functions.
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’s 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 washesdirt 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 preventmud 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 liveunder the roots. Others such as the Kentucky Wobbler, Red Tail Hawk, and a variety of other birds live in the branches. Destroying the forest destroystheir home. 
How to Help the Forest. 
     Stewardship is a program thatwas made to care for our forests andtrees. People who own forests are caretakers for the next generation. Stewardsput a lot of effort into taking care of theforest. They spend a lot of time to makesure the forest is growing properly. Tobecome a steward you must have at leastten acres of forest land. It must either beused for production of wildlife habitat orfor 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. Clearcutting 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 alsopurify the air of pollution. Trees aresometime used in large cities to lowernoise pollution. Forests are used forrecreation. Their beauty attracts manytourists. They provide shade on hot daysand allow relaxation. They are verylovely in the fall when their leaves arefalling. Trees can do all this withoutbeing cut down.
     They are very important to our world today. If we didn’t have trees our soil would be washed away, pollutionand 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 cuttinga tree down, and are not going to replaceit, is to remember this article and thinktwice before doing so.