Fiery red and eye catching colours reflecting the fiesty spirit of the red maple tree How does this tree help the environment? Red maples absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen which helps to reduce greenhouse gases, their broad leaves trap particulate matter and filter pollutants like ozone and nitrogen dioxide. As fast -growing deciduous trees, they like the oak tree are effective carbon sinks, storing carbon in their wood and roots. Their shade helps cool urban areas reducing the heat island effect. Thirdly, they provide habitat and food for a range of wildlife with their presence enhancing regional biodiversity especially in mixed forests and suburban landscapes. Furthermore, their root systems stabilize soil helping to prevent erosion, they thrive in wet soils making them ideal for riparian zones and flood-prone areas, they also improve water retention and reduce runoff which protects nearby waterways. Lastly they adapt well to varied soil types and climates which makes them good for urban planting, their tolerance of pollution and compacted soils helps green urban environments and restore degraded land.