High up in the mountains, trees and dwarf pine hold back build-ups of snow, thus preventing the formation of the avalanches, that are a common occurrence on treeless slopes when there is a thaw, leaving devastation in their wake and often taking their toll in human lives as well.

Trees in the landscape are pleasing to the eyc and an important ornamental element, as one realizes only too well when travelling mile after mile through flat countryside with only the horizon in sight. Trees brighten the landscape and give it its individual character. The broad valleys of large rivers are hard to envisage without groves of poplars amidst the spreading meadows, or without tree-shaded pools.

In hill accustomed to see oaks, limes and maples beside farmhouses ncl churches, and in mountain pastures the occasional mountain ash, juniper and spruce. Beside mountain cottages one may see spreading sycamores, ashes, elms and beeches. Avenues alongside roads and highways not only help these to blend well with the landscape but also provide welcome shade to both man and beast.

Today, all these fruits are a good and welcome supplement to our daily fare, but in former times they played it vital role in man’s diet. In sonic undeveloped tropical regions hey are the chief source of food to this day.

Today, we realize that, besides being a source of raw materials, trees are of even greater importance for their role in the regulation of climate, water management, hygiene, health, recreation; ttid, last but not least, in beautifying the environment. The past century has witnessed a rapid increase in world population, and the progress of science and technology has greatly changed man’s way of life. The result has been the emergence of vast industrial and suburban areas, with the majority of people living in cities, which have a specific climate and air polluted with dust, gases and other noxious substances. Industrial centres lind cities are plagued by increasing noise that goes beyond bearable limits, the work pace is accelerating and man’s tirrvous system is being exposed to ever greater stresses.

A covering of trees and shrubs also prevents the formation and widening of gullies arid ravines in danger spots on the earth’s surface.