Hi, this is Misha Teasdale from Greenpop,

For the past 14 years, I have been working with inspiring individuals, experts, and companies to join hands to restore ecosystems.

Restoring ecosystems and planting trees is a powerful action we can take to support biodiversity, and improve our communities. Trees have a host of benefits both for nature and people. But it’s not just about planting any tree, anywhere, at any time. The key to successful tree planting is understanding the local environment and recognising a tree’s potential for greater ecosystem health.

The Power of Trees: Cooling, Ecosystem Restoration, and Community Improvement

Planting trees in the right places can significantly cool urban environments through a process called evapotranspiration. This natural mechanism involves trees absorbing water through their roots and releasing it as water vapour through their leaves. A mature tree can transpire up to 400 litres of water daily, providing a cooling effect equivalent to several air conditioners running for the same period.

Due to increased urbanisation across the globe, and more people flocking to cities for work, the rate of urban heating has increased, with some cities like Dehli reaching temperatures of over 35°C at night, this past June.

In the same way, sweat cools our bodies, so trees cool cities through evapotranspiration. This is one of the powerful examples of how nature-based solutions are the antidote to many of our modern problems.

Beyond evapotranspiration, trees offer shade that directly lowers surface temperatures and improves the comfort of surrounding areas. In our concrete-dominated cities, this type of cooling is essential.

Additionally, tree roots create channels in the soil, enhancing its structure and enabling more water to infiltrate more effectively. This not only reduces surface runoff, but also promotes groundwater recharge, contributing to better water management in urban settings. For city managers, planting more trees can be a powerful tool in creating cooler, more sustainable urban environments.

Besides the physical benefits of trees in city spaces, they also offer a range of mental and emotional benefits. Research shows that spending time in natural environments can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while enhancing mood and overall happiness. Nature exposure encourages relaxation, fosters mindfulness, and boosts cognitive function, helping us feel more refreshed and mentally clear.

In our fast-paced, urbanised world, connecting with nature provides a much-needed escape, giving us a sense of calm and improving our emotional wellbeing. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a ride on your mountain bike, or simply giving yourself time to look at greenery, being in nature can hugely impact our mental health and quality of life. This in turn creates vast improvements in the wellbeing of people living in cities.

Understanding the Local Environment for Successful Tree Planting

When planning where to plant trees, it’s important to consider the landscape you’re planning to plant in. Each region has unique soil, climate, and ecological conditions that determine which tree species will thrive and benefit the ecosystem, and also whether trees should be there in the first place.

Planting the wrong species in the wrong place can lead to unintended consequences, like disrupting local ecosystems, draining precious water resources, or outcompeting Indigenous plants like fynbos or grasslands.

It’s super important to have a clear understanding of what should be grown in a particular area and, if trees are appropriate, to choose the right tree species that align with the local environment and ecosystem. Indigenous trees are often the best choice—they’ve evolved to thrive in their specific regions, supporting local wildlife and maintaining ecological balance.

Timing is also critical. Planting at the right time of year, typically in the lead-up to the rainy season, ensures that trees have the water they need to establish strong roots and grow healthy. By planting the right trees, in the right place, at the right time, we can create resilient landscapes that support both people and nature.

When we plant trees thoughtfully and strategically, we do more than just add greenery to our surroundings—we lay the groundwork for healthier, more resilient communities and ecosystems.

— Misha Teasdale

Join Greenpop this Arbor Month in our efforts to look Beyond Trees! 🌳

Through our ecosystem restoration work alongside our implementation partners on the ground, we’re working to change the narrative and inspire people to get ACTIVE, not anxious. Together we can help ensure the survival of indigenous forests across Sub-Saharan Africa for future generations.

There are many ways you can show support for these restoration efforts, and you don’t need to be a conservation expert to do so.

➡️ Learn more: https://greenpop.org/beyond-trees-arbor-month/