Before you call me a Tree Hugger-

Hello Friends,
Those who know me well understand that I am all about peace and love and getting along with our neighbours, and the general societal rules you will find posted in any kindergarten classroom. But far be it from me to suggest that I am a Hippie by any stretch of the imagination, I think that the requisite attraction to patchouli scent bypassed me, but who am I to judge? Having said all of this, I am a lover of trees.

I've never actually hugged a tree, hence my initial invective, as I can already hear you taunting me with the obvious nickname.I love my trees here in the Gardens. I often like to sit and reflect upon life under the Lignum Vitae. I even have a favourite tree that I roost in, which I will not disclose for security purposes.

But I stand on terra firma on this matter friends, here's why:

• Trees keep our air supply fresh by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen.
• In one year, an acre of trees can absorb as much carbon as is produced by a car driven up to 8700 miles.
• Trees provide shade and shelter, reducing yearly heating and cooling costs by 2.1 billion dollars.
• Trees lower air temperature by evaporating water in their leaves.
• The average tree in metropolitan area survives only about 8 years!
• A tree does not reach its most productive stage of carbon storage for about 10 years.
• Trees cut down noise pollution by acting as sound barriers.
• Tree roots stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.
• Trees improve water quality by slowing and filtering rain water as well as protecting aquifers and watersheds.
• Trees provide protection from downward fall of rain, sleet, and hail as well as reduce storm run-off and the possibility of flooding,
• Trees provide food and shelter for wildlife.
• Trees located along streets act as a glare and reflection control.
• The death of one 70-year old tree would return over three tons of carbon to the atmosphere.

Here's a quote from the man I agree to disagree with (who told us that ketchup counted as a vegetable in the 80s).:

A tree's a tree. How many more do you need to look at?
Ronald Reagan