Roadside windbreak plantings in town help reduce the amount of lead inhaled and in the countryside reduce the amount of lead reaching arable land. Other pollutants are also filtered out of the air as the plant 'breathes'. Plants produce life-giving oxygen. A single mature beech tree produces enough oxygen for ten people every year. An 18-hole golf course can supply enough oxygen for a town of over 6000 people.
Plants provide a haven for wildlife.
Even an average garden will contain over 150 types of plants which support insects and birds. Plants reduce energy consumption. By shading and sheltering houses from wind, plants can reduce the amount of energy required to power heating and cooling systems. Just 20 trees offset the polluting effect of one car driven 60 miles. This information is issued by The Horticultural Trades Association as part of the 'Green Releaf' campaign to bring home the benefits of plants.