Thanksgiving: A day to be thankful for trees!

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to appreciate trees! As you and your family gather together pause this weekend to celebrate the holiday, give thanks for trees and the many, many products they provide.

In all seasons, from all corners of the globe, trees supply us with so many goods to enhance our lives, directly or indirectly. Wood chemicals and components are found in ice cream, salad dressing, shampoo and toothpaste, just to name a few. Wood chemicals can also be found in cosmetics, photographic films, food additives and fillers for many types of plastics, according to research by Rita Hassert, of the Arboretum’s Sterling Morton Library.

Have a headache? Thanks to willow trees, we have the aspirin option. Trees even help put clothes on our backs. Some types of plant cellulose (including from trees) are used to produce rayon and acetate. These materials are often sewn to make shirts, ties, dresses and suits. Lyocell (also known as Tencel) is also made from wood pulp cellulose, and can be used to create fabric, Hassert says. Additionally, cellophane is derived in part from cellulose, and manufacturers often use cellulose gum to thicken and smooth foods and other items.

Wood pulp makes paper products such as toilet tissue, envelopes, boxes, paper towels, napkins, newspapers and facial tissue, books and, of course, money!

All sorts of sports equipment – such as baseball bats, cricket bats, tennis racquets, ping pong paddles, hockey sticks, oars, snowshoes, lacrosse sticks, billiard equipment sleds and skis – come from trees. And don’t forget musical instruments such as violins, violas, cellos, guitars, pianos, harpsichords and even bagpipes!
 
It can be said that you almost can’t make a pie without a tree, from cherry to apple to lemon, to peach, to pecan – and on it goes.

All these products are in addition to the remarkable benefits from trees. Studies show that trees filter the air, provide oxygen, shade and shelter for us and animals, cut air conditioning and heating costs, add value to our homes, encourage sales in business districts, and much, much more.

So as you enjoy your turkey and trimmings this Thanksgiving weekend, give thanks for all the products and benefits we get from trees. Then, have another slice of grandma’s famous apple and pecan pie!

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