Article by - Kelly Mae Heroux -
In celebration of National Love a Tree Day on May 16, this article invites you to take a moment to reflect on the many ways trees support human life and well-being. One useful starting point when discussing the many gifts trees provide humans is the concept of ecosystem services, defined as “the direct and indirect contributions of ecosystems to human well-being, which have an impact on our survival and quality of life” (Earth.org).
Framing nature’s value in terms of its service to humans is not without criticism. For example, it can be argued, quite rightly, that Earth’s ecosystems possess intrinsic value beyond human use or benefit. Nevertheless, to describe and celebrate some of the innumerable ways trees support us, the ecosystem services framework offers a helpful lens.
Ecosystem services are typically organized into four categories. Provisioning services include the tangible products humans obtain from ecosystems, such as timber, food, and medicinal resources. Regulating services refer to the natural processes that ecosystems provide, including climate regulation, water purification, and air quality improvement. Supporting services encompass the underlying systems, cycles, and processes that fundamentally sustain life on Earth. Finally, cultural services capture the non-material benefits ecosystems provide, including their contributions to cultural identity and heritage; the development of knowledge and the exchange of ideas; creativity inspired by nature in music, art, and architecture; and opportunities for recreation and spiritual enrichment.
Together, these categories help frame some of the many ways trees contribute to human well-being, from the practical necessities to deep personal and cultural connection. The table below highlights a small selection of the ecosystem services provided by trees (Malik et al, 2025), offering a snapshot of why trees are so worthy of appreciation, on May 16 and every day.
| Ecosystem Service Type | Examples of Services Provided by Trees |
| Provisioning | - Timber and wood products - Firewood (energy source) - Food: fruits, berries, nuts, mushrooms - Raw materials for industry (paper, resins, fibers) - Livelihood support for farmers (agroforestry products) |
| Regulating | - Carbon sequestration (reducing climate change) - Air purification (removal of pollutants like NO₂, SO₂, PM2.5, ozone) - Temperature regulation (urban cooling, reducing heat islands) - Water regulation (rainwater capture, flood mitigation) - Soil erosion control (windbreaks, root stabilization) - Nutrient cycling (improving soil fertility via litter decomposition) - Reduction of natural hazards (floods, landslides, wildfires) |
| Supporting (Sustaining) | - Enhancement of biodiversity (habitats for plants, animals, invertebrates) - Soil formation and maintenance (through organic matter input) - Nutrient cycling and mineralization - Supporting agricultural productivity (shade for crops, improved yields) - Maintenance of ecosystem functions and resilience |
| Cultural | - Recreation and aesthetic value (parks, green spaces) - Improvement of human well-being and mental health - Educational and scientific value (tree rings as environmental records) - Cultural and spiritual significance - Informational value: trees as indicators of past and future environmental change (e.g., predicting climate trends, hazards) |
Ideas for How to Love a Tree on May 16
In as many ways that trees support us, there are many ways we can celebrate and support trees. Consider taking a moment to express gratitude and, if possible, reciprocate some of the gifts that trees so generously provide. You might pause to notice the trees in your daily life: the one that shades your home, lines your commute, or hosts a playful squirrel you smile at when passing by. Learn the tree's botanical name, observe the wildlife it supports, or share a moment of appreciation beneath its canopy.
For a more active step, consider planting a tree—or two, or more! This is a lasting and meaningful way to support trees and many of the services they provide. Thoughtfully chosen trees can support ecosystems for generations to come. In Yolo County, there are resources available to help select climate-ready trees that are well-suited to local conditions. Some other fun and engaging ways to love a tree include:
- Nominate a Tree of Significance in Davis!
- Go for a walk or bicycle tour to visit some of the Landmark Trees in Davis!
- Harvest fruit trees for charity for Community Harvest of Davis!
- Visit mini-groves planted by Tree Davis volunteers as Climate-Ready Landscapes!
However you choose to celebrate, be it through planting, learning, caring, or simply noticing trees, National Love a Tree Day is an invitation to deepen our relationship with trees and to acknowledge their essential role in supporting life and well-being every day of the year.
Photo (adapted) and illustration by Kelly May Heroux.