Trees are vital. As the biggest plants on the planet, they give us oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide. Each year a mature tree produces enough oxygen for ten people. Trees also help prevent flooding and soil erosion by absorbing thousands of litres of rainwater. They provide a home to many birds and animals. Many types of fruits and nuts come from trees- including apples, mangoes, papayas, and almonds.
Trees provide us with wood for building and pulp for making paper.
Trees reduce wind speeds. It is estimated that trees can reduce the temperature in a city by up to 7 degrees Celsius.
Trees improve air quality by acting as natural air filters. They remove dust, smoke and fumes from the atmosphere by trapping them on their leaves, branches and trunks. Each individual tree removes up to 1.7 kilos of pollutants every year. They also provide shade from solar radiation and reduce noise.
Many trees have medicinal properties. Almost every part of the neem tree can be used. Neem leaves repel insects. They can also be eaten when tender. The twigs make excellent toothbrushes. Neem oil extracted from neem seeds is rich in medicinal properties and is used in soaps, hair oil and cosmetics.
Research shows that within minutes of being surrounded by trees and green space, your blood pressure drops, your heart rate slows and your stress levels come down.
A) Some parts of a tree:
Bark– the hard substance that covers a tree
Blossom– a flower on a tree
Branch– a part of a tree that grows out of its trunk (main stem) with leaves, flowers, or fruit growing on it.
Foliage– The leaves of a plant or tree
Fruit– the part of a plant or tree that contains its seeds
Twig– a very small branch
Trunk– the central part of a tree
B) Vocabulary: Please use the following words in sentences of your own. The sentences should show that you understand the meaning of the words. Use ‘trap’ and ‘extract’ as verbs.
Vital- essential, necessary, all-important
Mature– grown-up, fully developed
Soil erosion– removal of topsoil
Pulp– mash, paste
Trap– catch
Solar radiation– energy from the sun
Extract– remove or take out
Cosmetics– make-up, beauty products
C) Discussion Points:
- Write a five line summary of the importance of trees.
- Look around you. What trees do you see in your neighbourhood?
- Please summarise the benefits of neem.
- What is your favourite fruit?
- Describe the tree it grows on.
- What is the average temperature in your city in the month of June?
- How can these high temperatures be reduced?
- How do trees reduce pollution?
- How often do you walk in your neighbourhood park? How do you feel when you walk in the park?
- Have you taken part in a tree planting drive? Why is it vital?
D) Rhyming words
What words rhyme with ‘trees?’
‘Please,’ ‘breeze,’ ‘freeze,’ ‘degrees,’ and ‘rupees’ are a few words that rhyme with ‘trees.’
Please write a 4-6 line poem about trees. The poem does not have to rhyme.
Audio courtesy Tara Kriplani: