“The Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden.” Bible, Genesis
Almost unquestionably, trees are indispensable to human life. Thousands of years ago, man and tree teamed up together, each benefiting from the others company. But this solid and enduring association has so far proved a thoroughly rewarding experience for men who get food, fuel, fresh air, medicine, shade, shelter, scenic beauty, house building material, wood for furniture, economic prosperity and environmental preservation from the trees simultaneously, and quite independently. Had there not been the trees, life on this planet would have been doomed to extinction long ago. The huge increase in pollution and population has thus certainly multiplied the importance of tree plantation and afforestation in recent times.
“God Almighty first planted a garden.” Francis Bacon
According to the international geographical rules, at least 25 percent area of the country must consist of woodlands. But unfortunately, the area covered with forests in Pakistan is alarmingly shorter than the required percentage, for the whole area of forests in our country is only 4 percent. This acute shortage has sharply aggravated the problems of pollution, floods, storms, earthquakes and constant rise in temperature. The scenic beauty is also being affected adversely. The destruction of forests and woodlands is not only the problem of developing countries, but also the developed countries like America, Russia, and Japan are facing the same predicament in this regard. Now, only 7 percent forest area of the world is left undamaged.[the_ad id=”17141″]
Trees Role in Human Life
The man who is the supreme creation of God was sent here homeless, friendless and without clothing. The first and foremost friends that welcomed, comforted and sustained human life on this planet were surely the trees and plants. The foliage of the trees became the first source of man’s clothes. Then human beings used the trees as their dwelling place to save themselves from violent floods, ferocious wild animals, poisonous reptiles and weather inclemencies. Even today, if we want to have mental, physical or spiritual recreation, we are naturally inclined to go towards the parks, gardens, woodlands, green hilly areas and forests. Moreover, the fertility of the agricultural lands mainly depends upon the existence of the forests on a large scale.
The kiss of the sun for Pardon,
The song of the birds for mirth.
One is nearer Gods heart in a garden,
Than anywhere else on earth. Dorothy Gurney, Gods Garden
As far as the food of man is concerned, the major part of it is obtained from the trees and plants. The trees provide human beings with different kinds of delicious fruit which are fairly essential for the maintenance of human health. Trees and plants also serve as fodder for our cattle. Most of the birds and animals exploit trees and plants as food-staff. Man is also highly dependent on the crops of edible grains like wheat, rice, maize, barley and so on. Trees also provide cool shade and shelter to both the tired travelers and exhausted animals in the scorching heat of the summer.
Role of Trees in Pollution Control
[the_ad id=”17142″]The most urgent requirement for the existence of all forms of life on this earth is oxygen, and trees are the natural factories of producing fresh oxygen in plenty. Life is almost impossible without trees, but the ignorant and impassive people are bent on ravaging the green forests to the degree of extinction. This is virtually the greatest tragedy in today’s world.
A garden is a lovesome thing, God wot!. T.E. Brown, My Garden
Trees do serve as a safety valve against pollution. As the population and traffic of our country are markedly on the increase, the significance of trees and tree plantation has increased manifold regarding fresh air for breathing and environmental safeguard.
From time immemorial, trees and plants have been in use as fuel to produce heat and other forms of energy. The use of wood as fuel is equally popular in both the urban and rural areas. Although natural gas and some other things have been discovered for the purpose of fuel, yet the importance of wood as the source of heat and energy cannot be denied altogether. Besides this, the wood of the trees is also used for making houses, bridges, boats, ships and other household furniture.
Some of the trees and plants are also used in the making of life-saving drugs and medicines. The ancient people also used trees and plants for the treatment of various diseases throughout the ages. Even today, most of the ingredients of the modern homeopathic and allopathic medicines are certainly derived from the plants, herbs, and trees. The medicinal use of the trees thus increases their importance a lot. In olden times, trees were also exploited as the object of worship.[the_ad id=”17150″]
Though I am an old man, I am but a young gardener. Thomas Jefferson
Almost believable, nobody can deny the beauty of lush green trees and fields. The sight of multi-colored flowers and fruit-laden trees virtually delights us very much. The fascinating green valleys and waving farms and grasslands are not less than divine blessings and we have not right to ravage and disfigure the beauty of natural objects. Trees and plants are the only natural source of purifying the polluted atmosphere which has become a constant threat to the Ozone layer: this layer protects us from the suns ultraviolet rays. The economic prosperity of the country also mainly depends upon the presence of woodlands and forests on a large area.
Role of Trees in Weather
Most of the birds and small animals use the trees as shelter; birds use them for perching and nesting and animals use the holes of the trees for breeding and dwelling. The melodious chirping of the beautiful birds in the trees is also a source of enduring fascination and enjoyment. The habitats of the birds and animals are quickly diminishing due to the ruthless destruction and shocking devastation of the forests. If we fail to check this cruel act of human beings, the wildlife will be doomed to extinction very soon.
“I think that shall never see A poem lovely as a tree.” Joyce killmer, Trees
Having realized the importance of trees, almost all the countries of the world are now trying to save the forests and woodlands. Many international rules and regulations are being introduced in this connection. The time has proved that the countries which do not protect their forests have to face extremely serious consequences. The trees verily serve as a safety valve against floods, storms, earthquakes and the splitting of the earth. The savage cutting of the trees can Sharp change the environment and climatic condition of the world to a great extent.[the_ad id=”17144″]
To sum up, trees are the part and parcel of our life. Human beings, birds and animals cannot do without the trees. Concerted, devoted and revolutionary efforts should be made to keep the forests intact. New lessons about the importance of tree plantation should be included in the textbooks of all levels. Debates, meetings, seminars, and walks should be arranged in order to raise intense awareness among the masses about the significance and role of trees in their lives.
“Poems are made by fools like me But only God can make a tree.” Ibido
Millions of new trees should be planted every year and the upkeep of the young trees must be a moral obligation of each and every citizen. The horrible, illegal and disastrous cutting of the forests, which has endangered the very life of human beings on this planet should be stopped immediately before it is too late.
Wow nice..this info is very useful.