On Sunday 28 July we’ll be celebrating National Tree Day — Australia’s largest community tree-planting and nature care event. 

Co-founded in 1996 by Olivia Newton-John and Planet Ark, National Tree Day is a call to action for all Australians to put their hands in the earth and give back to their community. Each year, about 300,000 people volunteer their time to help green their community and make a difference to their local environment, in an effort to see one million new trees planted across the country.

The importance of planting trees isn’t just because it makes our streets and parks look nicer; trees are an essential part of our planet’s health. 

For our Climate
Trees help to cool our planet down, absorbing many harmful greenhouse gases and releasing clean oxygen back into the atmosphere. This can make a significant impact on the temperature of our cities, where pollution and overheating are becoming a bigger issue each year. 

For our Water
Trees capture rainwater and, with their intricate root systems acting like filters, can remove pollutants and slow down the water’s absorption into the ground. This process prevents harmful waterside erosion and reduces the risk of over-saturation and flooding. 

For our Air
Trees are our planet’s natural air filtration system! In urban environments, trees absorb nasty gases like nitrogen oxides, ozone, and carbon monoxide, and sweep up particles like dust and smoke. They also absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide and reducing the effects of climate change. 

So, what are you waiting for? National Tree Day is a great excuse to venture outdoors, get to know your community, have fun and — most importantly — make a seriously positive impact on the world around you! Find out how you can get involved in events near you.