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FALL IS THE PERFECT TIME TO PLANT A TREE

The roughly 2.5 million trees we plant annually creates approximately 300 seasonal rural jobs. Image credit: RAYHAN AHMED on Pexels.

By ROB KEEN

Forests Ontario commissioned a study in 2019 on the economic impact of planting trees. The study indicated that the roughly 2.5 million trees we plant annually creates approximately 300 seasonal rural jobs. It also revealed a 3:1 financial return from a GDP perspective.

Trees provide countless social and environmental benefits.

Tree blossoms feed bees that pollinate farm crops.

Trees shade our homes, lower heating bills and increase property values.

Forests soak up excess water, mitigate flooding, reduce soil erosion, and provide homes for wildlife.

A walk in the forest can strengthen the immune system and reduce blood pressure, among other health benefits.

And some trees will one day become paper, furniture, art, musical instruments and building material for homes and office buildings – all products that we need for our standard of living and daily wellbeing.

• Rob Keen, a Registered Professional Forester, served as CEO of Forests Ontario since its inception in 2014 – and as the CEO of its predecessor, Trees Ontario, since 2011 – until 2023.