It is general knowledge that trees play an integral part on planet earth. The part played, is no different on the island of Barbados as trees contribute significantly to the environment that we function in.
Trees are responsible for adding beauty and shade to the environment we live in. They also provide us with shelter, purity of air, an increase in real estate value, wind barriers and saving energy.
Trees make life so much more enjoyable around us and so we need to embrace them. Trees provide us with a unique tranquility that goes far beyong the external beauty and build we see in them. There's peace and serenity at the very root of a tree. Hence the reason trees can be readily found outside hospitals and nursing homes right here in Barbados as patients have been shown to recover quicker when they are exposed to a view with trees.
It is normal to see the people of Barbados on any hot day, under a tree shading themselves from the fury of direct sunlight as trees automatically make the environment much cooler. In the capital city of Bridgetown on the island of Barbados, trees are able to control the heat that is so often caused by the seemingly concrete jungle that exists.
The more trees around, the more natural the environment. There's an increase in the bird population as they look for homes for themselves and their young. Based on the fact that Barbados is susceptible to hurricanes, it is always good to know that trees have the ability to obstruct water, store some of it and thereby lessen the risk of flooding.
Trees filter the very air that we breathe by removing dust and other particulates that freely roam the air. These pollutants are then washed away by the process of rainfall. Leaves absorb carbon dioxide from the air to form carbohydrates that are used in the plant's structure and function. In this process, leaves also absorb other air pollutants such as ozone, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide and give off oxygen.
Trees as a Mood Stimulant
With everyone trying to improve their mental mood, especially in times of physical and economic challenge, many are looking to nature to see them through. The mere presence of trees can change a dull mood into an upbeat one and cause you to feel better. Changes in blood pressure and muscle tension are significantly reduced, thus confirming a reduction in stress.
The next time you are feeling somewhat down, take a brisk walk outside amidst the beauty Barbados has to offer and simply wait for your mood to improve. Smell a rose, watch the clouds go by or even hug a tree. Nature can do wonders to a troubled mind.
