Even small-scale planting can boost air quality and personal well-being.

Editor’s note: World Planting Day is celebrated on March 21, encouraging people to plant trees and engage in sustainable gardening practices.

By KRISTEN WOOD

World Planting Day is more than just a celebration of nature — it’s a call to action.

While conservation efforts have started to counteract the damage, sprawling cities, housing developments and industrialization have drastically altered natural landscapes in the last century. This modernization has led to deforestation, pollution and the degradation of ecosystems. World Planting Day highlights the impact that individuals can have in revitalizing their community’s green spaces.

More plants reduce air pollution and create beautiful living spaces in cities and urban areas. Plants take in carbon dioxide and particulates during photosynthesis, releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. This can help remove pollutants like carcinogenic volatile organic compounds produced during some manufacturing processes.

An abundance of trees can also combat the urban heat island effect. This causes cities to be consistently warmer than surrounding rural areas as buildings and streets conserve heat from the sun. A 2024 Scientific Reports study found that trees in a city reduce the temperature by 5.4 degrees Fahrenheit or 3 degrees Celsuis on average. The older and larger the trees, the more effective their canopy will be in cooling a city. If you’ve been waiting to plant trees in your yard, planting now is the best thing you can do for your future comfort.

Parks, community gardens and other planting initiatives make living spaces more beautiful. From flowers to native shrubs, green spaces break up concrete and asphalt for more attractive and welcoming cities and towns.

Eco-friendly benefits of trees and plants

Trees are a vital part of the Earth’s environment because they perform carbon sequestration. They absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to offset the carbon emissions that humans produce through activities like driving, food production and manufacturing.

According to forestry specialist Ross Bernet at One Tree Planted, the average tree absorbs 22 pounds of carbon dioxide per year. For comparison, NASA notes that a passenger car creates 20 pounds of carbon from burning 1 gallon of gasoline. If your yard can sustain trees, planting a few can help offset your carbon emissions.

The roots of trees, shrubs and ground cover plants also promote soil health. Native plants stretch their roots deep into the soil, letting water sink in. This also helps prevent erosion from wind and water that can cause landslides or soil loss. Dr. Vijayalaxmi Kinhal at CID Bio-Science notes that increasing plant cover by just 10% can reduce erosion by 78%.

For those looking to make an impact on a smaller scale, home gardening is an excellent way to support sustainability. Growing fruits, vegetables, herbs and even edible flowers reduces your reliance on commercial farming and aids sustainable food chains. You also get a bounty of fresh produce and the chance to experiment with exciting options like heirloom vegetables or edible roses.

Unexpected benefits of planting trees and flowers

Planting isn’t just beneficial for the planet. Having trees and flowers around you can also boost your mental well-being. In 2023, Time Magazine compiled research that found having houseplants in schools and offices made students and workers more productive. In hospitals, plants help patients heal faster. Another study found that working with plants reduced cortisol levels in the body, helping to manage anxiety and stress.

Green spaces and gardening also foster communities. Parks provide a place for people to gather. Community gardens can bring neighbors together. Initiatives to preserve and create green space also bolster a city’s economy. From increased property values to local business growth, the Trust for Public Lands reported last year that every dollar spent on conservation returned between $4 and $11 to the city.

What to plant this year

Choose what to grow wisely, as certain plants will maximize environmental benefits. Trees remain one of the most beneficial for the environment and aesthetics. Although they are an investment up front, they can provide decades of shade, beauty and carbon offset. Many cities also offer tree-planting programs that provide free or low-cost saplings.

For shrubs and flowers, opt for native plants. These use less water in drought-prone areas and attract local pollinators. Even native weed varieties can be beautiful and easy to grow. Edible weeds can also be used in the kitchen for an extra benefit.

Likewise, flower varieties that thrive in local climates can enhance your landscape and support bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects. Dahlias, zinnias and sunflowers make perfect cut-flower bouquets. Annuals and flowering shrubs work well for landscaping. Hibiscus, lavender and chamomile are edible and have a wonderful aroma.

Even without outdoor space, you can still get involved. Houseplants can bring the benefits of plants indoors. You can also get creative with microgardens on a balcony or windowsill. These small-scale efforts will still boost air quality and personal well-being without requiring a yard.

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Kristen Wood is a photographer, recipe developer, writer, gardener and creator of Schisandra and Bergamot, a botanical blog.