Trees are all around us. They come in all shapes and sizes. From the giant redwood trees in California to the littlest bonsai tree, all trees share some basic characteristics. So let’s learn more about trees.
What makes a tree a tree?
Trees are a diverse group of plants. There are many different types of trees that grow in different places. There are big trees, like the great redwood trees that can grow taller than a skyscraper. There are small trees, like the mini bonsai trees that can stay the size of a football. But what do all trees have in common?
According to our friends at OneTreePlanted, trees are tall woody plants, and have different parts just like us! Each part of a tree has a specific function.
Trees, like other plants, produce oxygen (O2) and absorb carbon dioxide (CO2). They help make our air better. They do this using their different parts. The roots are where they take up water. They need water to grow big and tall. They use the water for photosynthesisthe process by which plants (and some other living things) make their own food. Unlike... More. Photosynthesisthe process by which plants (and some other living things) make their own food. Unlike... More is how the tree makes its own food from CO2 from the air and water (H2O). This happens in the green leaves. As a part of this process, the tree makes the gas oxygen (O2). We humans breathe the oxygen that is released from the leaves of the tree.
Other parts of the tree are also important for people. Some trees make fruits that we like to eat, like apples, cherries, or peaches. These fruits contain the seeds of the tree. New trees can grow from the seeds of old trees. Have you ever tried to plant an apple seed?
One special part of trees and other flowering plants is called pollena powdery substance produced by some plants that contains many small pollen grains, which are... More. You can read more about it here.
Trees in the urban environment
We normally think about trees in forests. But, they also play a very important role in cities. Check out the graphic below to learn about different ways plants in the city help improve the environment.
Trees along roads can reduce indoor air pollutiondust, dirt or gases in the air inside a building such as your home or... More by more than 50%!
Plant a tree!
We know trees are super important. That is why we partnered with OneTreePlanted. For every kid that completes either one of our special event challenges or three regular challenges, we will plant a tree! Keep following this page for more updates. And make sure to check back in June when we will officially launch the digital Air for Kids Challenges.
Sources
- https://onetreeplanted.org/
- https://www.arborday.org/trees/treefacts/
- https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es404363m?utm_source=December+2013+TreEnews&utm_campaign=December+2013&utm_medium=email
