Trees help to clean the air we breathe. They absorb carbon dioxide and harmful pollutants whilst releasing life giving oxygen. In urban environments, trees absorb polluting gases such as nitrogen oxides, ozone and carbon monoxide. Increasing levels of carbon dioxide caused by deforestation and fossil fuel combustion trap heat in the atmosphere contributing to global warming.

Trees play a crucial role in capturing rainwater and risk of natural disasters such as flooding. Their amazing root systems act as filters removing toxic pollutants and slowing down the absorption of water into the soil. A mature evergreen tree can intercept more than 15,000 litres of water every year.

A single tree can be home to hundreds of species of insect, fungi, moss, mammals and plants. There role in biodiversity cannot be underestimated and their contribution to the natural habitat is critical.