The american mountain ash tree (Sorbus americana) is a beautiful deciduous tree native to eastern North America. With its attractive white flowers in spring and clusters of bright orange-red berries in fall, it provides great ornamental value But beyond just looks, the american mountain ash tree also serves an important ecological purpose – producing oxygen through photosynthesis. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how much oxygen american mountain ash trees produce.
Understanding Oxygen Production in Trees
Before looking specifically at oxygen output of the american mountain ash it helps to understand the general process of oxygen production in trees. During photosynthesis trees take in carbon dioxide from the air, along with water and sunlight, to produce carbohydrates for growth. Oxygen is released as a byproduct of photosynthesis. The amount of oxygen produced depends on factors like the tree’s size, age, health, and species.
Trees release oxygen through small pores on the underside of their leaves called stomata. All this oxygen produced by trees is critical for maintaining normal oxygen levels in the atmosphere for humans and wildlife. Green healthy trees with lots of leaves photosynthesize at high rates and are therefore excellent oxygen producers.
Estimating the Oxygen Output of American Mountain Ash Trees
As a moderately sized deciduous tree reaching mature heights between 30-50 feet, the american mountain ash plays a valuable role in replenishing oxygen. According to scientific studies, a single mature tree can provide enough oxygen for two people per year.
More specifically, one acre of american mountain ash trees is estimated to generate enough oxygen for 18 people annually. The exact amount of oxygen produced by an individual american mountain ash depends on specific variables like:
- Age of the tree
- Overall health and vigor
- Amount of leaf surface area
- Climate and environmental conditions
- Time of year (more in summer, less in winter dormancy)
But on average, a healthy, mature american mountain ash tree can produce around 100 pounds of oxygen per year.
How American Mountain Ash Trees Produce Oxygen
The american mountain ash tree engages in the same photosynthetic process as other trees to produce oxygen:
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Carbon dioxide (CO2) is absorbed from the air through the leaves.
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Water (H2O) is absorbed through the roots and transported to the leaves.
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Energy from sunlight is absorbed by chlorophyll in the leaves.
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Using chloroplasts, the leaves combine CO2, H2O, and sunlight to produce carbohydrates for tree growth.
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Oxygen (O2) is released into the air as a byproduct through the stomata on the underside of leaves.
This oxygen released by the american mountain ash is vital to creating the atmospheric balance of gases that sustain humans and other living organisms.
Environmental Benefits
Besides releasing oxygen, the american mountain ash tree provides other environmental benefits:
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Removing air pollutants like ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide through leaf absorption.
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Providing shade which helps cool surrounding areas.
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Supporting wildlife with its fruit and habitat.
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Preventing soil erosion.
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Sequestering and storing carbon as it accumulates woody biomass in its trunk/branches.
Threats to Oxygen Production
For american mountain ash trees to keep producing ample oxygen through photosynthesis, they need to remain healthy. Some threats to be aware of include:
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Defoliation by pests like sawflies which reduces leaf surface area.
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Diseases such as fire blight which can kill parts of the tree.
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Air pollution which can damage leaves.
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Over-pruning which decreases foliage.
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Climate extremes like drought, flooding, or late spring frosts.
Trees help clean our drinking water.
- Forested watersheds provide quality drinking water to more than 180 million Americans. share U.S. Forest Service, 2013
- In 1997, New York City spent $1.5 billion to preserve the forested watershed that supplies New York City’s drinking water by purchasing thousands of upstate acres of forested watershed. A filtration plant large enough to clean New York City’s water supply would have cost more than $6 billion dollars. share Ecosystem Marketplace, 2006
- Today, New Yorkers enjoy some of the cleanest drinking water in the world, and New York City has won regional water taste competitions. share New York City Department of Environmental Protection, 2013
Trees provide much-needed cooling.
- Trees lower surface and air temperatures by providing shade. Shaded surfaces may be 20–45°F cooler than the peak temperatures of unshaded materials. U.S. EPA
- Trees cool the city by up to 10°F by shading our homes and streets and releasing water vapor into the air through their leaves.
- Evaporation of water from trees has a cooling influence. share Carnegie Institution, 2011
How many trees does it take to produce oxygen for one person?
FAQ
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How do nutrient deficiencies affect American mountain ash trees?
Nutrient Deficiencies Nutrient deficiencies can lead to poor growth and decline in American Mountain Ash trees. Common nutrient deficiencies that may affect these trees include nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Symptoms of nutrient deficiencies may include yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and overall poor vigor.
What does American mountain ash look like?
Young American mountain ash tend to be smooth while older trees develop cracks and scaly patches with age. This particular tree is highly branched. Its twigs are somewhat darker than the main branches of the tree and have downy, dark red winter buds. The American mountain ash is a decidious perennial with alternate, pinnately compound leaves.
Why are American mountain ash trees declining?
One of the primary reasons for the decline of American Mountain Ash trees is environmental stress. These trees prefer well-drained soil with adequate moisture levels. If the tree is planted in compacted soil or an area with poor drainage, it may struggle to access essential nutrients and water, leading to stunted growth and eventual decline.
Where does mountain ash grow?
It can be found from Canada south to the mountains of Georgia and can be found as far west as Minnesota. Mountain ash prefers moist soil and full sunlight, growing along forest edges, roadsides and swamp areas. Height will vary based on conditions, but generally ranges from 10-30 ft.