Throughout New Jersey's history its communities have planted trees that have provided many benefits to all of us over the years. New Jersey's urban and community forests are declining because of people's lack of knowledge about the benefits of these forests, lack of funds at the local level for tree care and rapid development throughout the state. A study by American Forests, a national nonprofit organization, indicates that for every four trees being removed from our community forests, only one tree is being replanted. The continual urbanization of New Jersey is causing decreasing amounts of natural lands and increasing amounts of pollution. If each of us planted just one tree, the Garden State could have eight million more trees to fight these problems.
Trees provide many benefits to our communities.
They remove carbon dioxide and particulate pollutants from the atmosphere and supply us with life-giving oxygen. Tree roots stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. Trees beautify our landscapes and streetscapes and add color and texture to our communities. Planting and caring for trees can impart legacies for future generations. New Jersey ReLeaf is a nonprofit organization of concerned citizens who want to make a difference in New Jersey.