We need more trees throughout our cities, schools and neighborhoods. Trees are a necessary part of the environment as they keep the planet clean and healthy. The tall, typically green and brown plants have somewhere around 73,000 different varieties and can produce fruit, nuts and colorful flowers. 

Not only do trees provide food, but they also keep the crime rates in neighborhoods down by roughly 48%, increase property values and reduce the risk of flooding. Anyone can plant a tree. Even if a person is not willing to pay, in some areas such as New York, a resident can call the city and have a free tree planted in their yard, the species specially picked for them. 

While Sage Creek does have trees on campus, they are mostly in a few small clusters and not substantial enough to prevent flooding or improve students’ time on school grounds. With the recent rains, having more tree canopies would protect students from rainfall and produce clean air.

There is a perfect tree variety for everyone. If someone had limited space, they could find a tree with a small root system. If they wanted more shade, a large tree with a wide canopy such as an oak would be perfect. 

According to the U.S. Forest Service, a 10% increase in tree canopies showed a 12% decrease in crime, and it has also been proven that there is a 56% decrease in violent crimes in buildings with large amounts of plants versus a building with sparse vegetation. It is incredibly beneficial to plant trees if only to reduce crime in neighborhoods, especially violent ones.

Trees also increase property value from 5% to 18%, according to GreenBlue Urban, which can mean up to $120,000 on a $675,000 home. It may seem futile to plant a young tree, but depending on how long a family will own a home, it can very well be worth the wait.

 A dogwood tree, for example, takes only about five to seven years to grow, and once it is mature, a flower-covered canopy will provide shade and garner around $7,000 in property value.

Another benefit of planting trees is that their canopies catch rain, allowing the soil to absorb water as it falls, preserving ground cover and preventing flooding. If the canopy is large enough, the rain may never fall to the ground and will evaporate on leaves after a storm. Compared to a lawn of grass, trees can absorb 10 inches of rain an hour while a lawn can only infiltrate 4 inches of rain in the same time frame. 

Along with preventing flooding, tree roots grip soil, keeping the earth in place while water would otherwise drag it away. This keeps landscapes from eroding and lowers the danger of mudslides.

On the comfort side of their advantages, trees also provide shade, which creates a sense of calm and coolness. Trees foster a perfect environment for kids to play in and recreational activities such as yoga, sports and picnics. Having shade can help reduce the risk of sunburn and other heat-related health issues. 

Families with children would especially benefit, as trees are perfect places for climbing, treehouses and play areas.

The Sage Creek campus is well-known for its impressive architecture, and the addition of trees would amplify that. More trees should be planted at Sage Creek to improve student and staff experiences on campus along with keeping the grounds flood-free and safe.

To rising juniors, consider the benefits of planting trees on campus as part of a Genius Project. Creating a more beautiful and safe campus for generations of students to come is an exceptional goal that portrays passion and care for the future.

The advantages of having mature trees in a neighborhood or city are broad and worthwhile, such as providing clean air and keeping an area crime-free. Plant a tree and convince your neighbors to join in, protecting and improving the neighborhood all in one.