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The modern-day Johnny Appleseeds received a jolt of disillusionment 30 yrs. ago upon learning that trees emit hydrocarbons that exacerbate the pollution caused by auto emissions. Our angst was short-lived however when arborists and botanists assured us that trees do far more good than harm with their taking up of carbon dioxide and release of life-giving oxygen.
But there remains the troublesome thought that trees "steal" water that could be seeping down to feed the well. Would be delighted if someone could disabuse me of this thought with a rational rebuttal.
I think you have a mistaken idea how any ecosystem works. There is nothing that trees "do" that could be rationalized into cutting them all down. Trees are incapable of stealing water water but they sure slow it down preventing stormwater runoff resulting in higher pollution of wetlands, streams and rivers all the way to the ocean. By slowing down the passage of rain more is absorbed into the ground. They prevent soil being easily carried off by wind (do you recall the dust bowl days?). Large stands of trees have an effect on temperature, humidity and other vegetation, enough so that many urban areas are working on tree projects to improve localized climate.
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