Trees are amazing things. Without them humans would not exist. Here are 7 interesting facts about them: 

Trees can communicate with each other through a network of underground fungi. This network is called a mycorrhizal network. It is made up of tiny filaments called hyphae, that extend from the roots of trees and other plants. The hyphae of different trees can connect to each other, and communicate in a number of ways. For example, they can share nutrients, water, and information about threats such as pests and diseases.

Trees are some of the longest-living organisms on earth, they can live for hundreds or even thousands of years. The oldest known individual tree is a bristlecone pine named “Methuselah” in California’s White Mountains, estimated to be over 4,800 years old.

Many trees have healing properties for medicinal use. Extracts from certain tree species are used in traditional and modern medicine for treating ailments such as fever, pain, and infections. For example, the bark of the willow tree contains a compound called salicin, which is a precursor to aspirin. A study published in the journal “Phytotherapy Research” found that willow bark extract was as effective as aspirin at reducing fever.

Trees have significant economic value. Industries such as timber, paper, and furniture rely on trees for raw materials. Additionally, trees contribute to tourism and recreational activities, attracting visitors to forests and parks. Also a well positioned tree can increase property value by up to 20%. 

Some species of trees can grow to be over 300 ft tall, which is about the same size as a football field. The largest tree in the world is a giant sequoia, a Coast Redwood, in California that is 380 feet tall and has a trunk that is over 30 feet in diameter.

Pine trees are evergreen trees that are common in forests all over the world. Pine trees have needles instead of leaves. 

Trees help to regulate the Earth’s climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. By improving the air quality they reduce the risk of respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis. On average, one tree produces about 260 pounds of oxygen per year. This is equivalent to the amount of oxygen that four people breathe in a day.