Jarrot Paroske & Yusef Salha – Staff Writers

Trees are essential to create a good learning environment for high school students. They provide shade, increase air quality, and natural beauty.

On top of this, trees can also increase productivity in schools. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Illinois suggests that trees planted around campus improve the productivity of students.

The study “demonstrated a positive relationship between nearby nature and school-wide academic performance.”

With the severe drought we’re experiencing in California, it might seem that planting trees would worsen the shortage of water.

However, a city forest officer says that “trees are long-term investments in the health and well-being of our neighborhoods. Although they require some water to withstand periods of reduced rainfall, but they pay us back in tremendous benefits.”

Despite what people think, trees do not need much water to live and the water usage restraints currently imposed in southern California do not affect the lifespan of trees in any significant way.

Studies show, “Even the most delicate trees would be happy with eight minutes twice a week, and the larger trees will be happy with the occasional heavy watering by hand.”

This is why trees are vital in our life here at Foothill.

Don’t forget, trees will always provide major benefits that affect everybody.