Trees are crucial to the welfare of our planet and play a vital part in controlling climate and water cycles. Their leaves absorb carbon dioxide - a gas given off by burning fuels such as wood, oil, and petrol, which contributes to climate change. This ability to soak up carbon dioxide and filter other pollutants means that trees help keep the air clean and reduce the risk of global warming.
Roots take up water, oxygen, minerals, and other nutrients from soil.
They also anchor trees and bind soil, preventing it from being washed or blown away. As roots develop and spread out, spaces appear in the soil around them, aerating the earth and creat ing a sponge - like effect that allows the ground to soak up water, which is then gradually released into streams and rivers. Forests, however, do not only contain trees. They are made up of millions of plants, animals, and micro - organisms whose lives are all closely interlinked. Termites, for example, break down fallen leaves and branches, releasing nutrients into forest soils and helping plants to grow.