Why Do You Plant Trees around a Trash Dump?
Trash dumps are necessary for every community to get rid of waste products efficiently. However, their ecosystem impact is inevitable, leaving the surrounding environment polluted and ugly. One of the methods of refurbishing the surrounding area is planting trees. It may seem counterintuitive to plant trees around a trash dump, but this practice has some benefits. Here is why you should plant trees around a trash dump:
Protect the Soil
The soil around the trash dump gets eroded and is typically of inferior quality. Planting trees helps to keep the soil fertile, preventing erosion and enhancing water retention capacity. Trees with a large root system help to compact and stabilize the soil, thus preventing erosion during rainfall. In addition, trees act as a soil aerator and help to break down the waste material, infusing oxygen into the soil, rejuvenating it further.
Filter the Air
Apart from improving soil quality, trees play a vital role in purifying the air. They absorb harmful pollutants and filter the air, making it cleaner and safer for the people living close to the trash dump. Trees can absorb and filter out dust and other suspended particles in the air, mitigating respiratory issues that might arise from air pollutants. In addition, trees release oxygen into the atmosphere, enhancing healthy breathing and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Enhance Aesthetic Value and Reduce Noise Pollution
Planting trees around a trash dump can also improve the view and transform the environment into a beautiful and serene place. The trees' greenery adds an aesthetic appeal and helps to mask the ugliness that emanates from a dump site. Trees also absorb and deflect noise pollution, which can help in creating a peaceful and calm atmosphere, reducing irritation and stress levels associated with living near a waste site.
Support Biodiversity Conservation
Every ecosystem must harbor different species of living organisms to create a balance between the environment and the biological organisms living there. Planting trees around a trash dump helps in conserving the natural habitat of various wildlife and promoting the biodiversity of the surrounding ecosystem. Trees provide a conducive environment and create an ecosystem in a harsh and challenging environment, supporting the survival of many wildlife species.
Conclusion
Tree plantation is a sound solution and the most ethical way to counter environmental pollution around waste sites. One of the best ways to achieve sustainable waste management is through planting trees. Tree plantation has innumerable benefits that not only improve the quality of air around the trash dump but also enhance the aesthetic value, support biodiversity conservation, and reduce soil erosion. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that tree planting is a fundamental part of every construction and rehabilitation project that involves the rural and urban cleanup processes.