Tree roots stabilize the soil and prevent erosion, provide food and shelter for wildlife, are vital to our survival and an integral part of the many pleasures of life we sometimes take for granted. Wood and chemicals derived from trees turn up in a variety of surprising places including photographic film, plastics, rubber, carbon purifiers, clothing, and even as elements in the iron and steel manufacturing processes.

We live in a world of machines including cars, airplanes, factories, electric generators. Most run on fossil fuels which pollute the atmosphere with carbon dioxide emissions. Each of us is responsible for over 4,600 pounds of carbon production a year. Trees contribute to a clean, healthy environment as they grow by taking in carbon dioxide from the air and in return, respire life-giving oxygen.

In one year, a single tree can absorb as much carbon as is produced by a car driven 26,000 miles.

Caring for trees is everyone's responsibility. The large old trees of our forests and cities have survived only by overcoming many hazards and hardships. The trees in our lawns, along our roads, and in our parks will not survive without our help. Insects, diseases, construction, drought, air pollution, and other natural and man-made causes are continuously at work to weaken and ultimately kill our trees. With knowledge and care we can help them to stay alive for many years.

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