The Most Useful Tree, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the tree you think is the most useful!

Updated on Apr 30, 2024 06:58

In a small village, the community gathered every year to discuss which tree provided the most benefit to their lives. They considered several factors such as shade, fruit, and wood quality. This tradition helped them understand and appreciate the various contributions of each tree, guiding them on which trees to plant and nurture for future generations. Inspired by this practice, this ranking system offers a similar opportunity. Here, you can cast your votes on which trees you find most beneficial, helping to create a collective wisdom on the most valuable trees. By participating, you contribute to a broader understanding, which can aid in conservation efforts and in educating others about the importance of different trees.

What Is the Most Useful Tree?

1

64
votes
Oak tree (Quercus)

Provides a source of food and shelter for wildlife, produces durable wood for construction and furniture, and absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
The Oak tree (Quercus) is a large and long-lived deciduous tree that belongs to the genus Quercus in the beech family (Fagaceae). It is widely known for its strength, durability, and majestic appearance. Oak trees are native to the Northern Hemisphere, with over 600 species distributed across Europe, Asia, and North America. These magnificent trees have been revered for centuries and are often associated with strength, wisdom, and endurance.

Height: 60-100 feet (18-30 meters)

Trunk diameter: 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters)

Lifespan: Several centuries to over a thousand years

Leaves: Alternate, simple, lobed or unlobed, and deciduous

Bark: Rough, thick, and greyish-brown
2

31
votes
Mango tree (Mangifera indica)

Provides a source of food and income for millions of people worldwide, as well as shade and shelter for animals.
The Mango tree (Mangifera indica) is a tropical fruit tree belonging to the Anacardiaceae family. It is native to South Asia and is widely cultivated for its delicious and juicy mango fruits.

Height: Up to 100 feet

Leaves: Evergreen, densely packed

Flowers: Small, white, and fragrant

Fruits: Variable in shape, size, and color (typically green, yellow, or red when ripe)

Fruiting season: Varies depending on the cultivar, typically summer or monsoon season
3

29
votes

J.M.Garg · CC BY 3.0

Neem tree (Azadirachta indica)

Has medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, as well as being a natural pesticide and insect repellent.
4

18
votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain

Willow tree (Salix)

Contains a compound called salicylic acid, which is used in the production of aspirin, and has a variety of medicinal uses. The flexible branches are also used in basket weaving and furniture making.
The Willow tree (Salix) is a deciduous tree in the genus Salix. It is known for its slender branches, long and narrow leaves, and graceful appearance. The tree has a weeping growth habit, with its branches often bending downward, adding to its beauty and charm. Willows are typically found near bodies of water, such as rivers and streams.

Family: Salicaceae

Genus: Salix

Type: Deciduous tree

Height: Up to 65 feet (20 meters)

Leaves: Long, narrow, and green with a fine-toothed edge
5

7
votes
Apple tree (Malus)

Provides a source of food and income for farmers, and is also used in the production of cider and vinegar. The wood is commonly used for smoking meat and cooking.
The Apple tree (Malus) is a deciduous fruit tree native to Central Asia. It is widely cultivated for its delicious and nutritious fruits known as apples. The tree belongs to the Rosaceae family and is known for its beautiful blossoms during springtime.

Height: 6 to 15 meters

Leaves: Oval-shaped, glossy, and green

Flowers: White or pink blooms with a pleasant fragrance

Fruit: Round or oval-shaped with various colors and flavors

Harvest time: Late summer to early fall
6

15
votes
Eucalyptus tree (Eucalyptus)

Has a variety of medicinal uses, and its oil is used in aromatherapy and as a natural insect repellent. The wood is also used for construction and paper production.
The Eucalyptus tree (Eucalyptus) is a genus of over 700 species of flowering trees and shrubs, belonging to the family Myrtaceae. Native to Australia, these trees are well-known for their unique appearance and numerous practical uses.

Height: Ranges from 30 to 55 meters (98 to 180 feet)

Leaves: Broad, glossy, and waxy leaves, usually with a strong aromatic scent

Bark: Most species have a smooth bark that periodically sheds in flakes or ribbons

Flowers: Clusters of small white, cream, yellow, or red flowers

Fruit: Hard and woody capsule-like fruits containing numerous seeds
7

15
votes
Pine tree (Pinus)

Provides a source of lumber for construction and furniture, and is also used for paper production. Pine nuts are a popular food source and the tree also has medicinal properties.
The Pine tree (Pinus) is a genus of evergreen coniferous trees that belongs to the family Pinaceae. It is widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere and includes around 126 recognized species. These trees are known for their distinct needle-like leaves, resinous bark, and conical shape. They are a valuable resource for timber production, landscaping, and the paper industry.

Lifespan: Up to 1,000 years

Height: Up to 230 feet (70 meters)

Needles: Long, slender, and evergreen

Cones: Woody and typically bear seeds

Bark: Thick and covered in resinous substances
8

6
votes
Rtevels · CC BY-SA 3.0

Baobab tree (Adansonia)

Has a variety of medicinal uses, provides a source of food and water for animals, and is a source of income for local communities through the production of baobab fruit powder. The tree is also a symbol of African heritage and culture.
The Baobab tree (Adansonia) is a unique and iconic tree known for its stout trunk, large size, and distinct appearance. It is native to various African countries and is often referred to as the 'Tree of Life' due to its numerous practical uses.

Trunk size: The trunk of a Baobab tree can reach up to 10 to 25 meters in diameter, making it one of the largest known tree trunks.

Lifespan: Baobab trees can live for over a thousand years, with some specimens reaching ages of over 6,000 years.

Fruit: The tree produces large, cylindrical fruits that contain a powdery pulp rich in vitamin C. These fruits are commonly used in various traditional African dishes and beverages.

Drought resistance: Baobab trees are well-adapted to arid environments and can survive long periods of drought by storing water in their trunks.

Bark: The bark is thick and fibrous, providing insulation and protection from fire.
9

10
votes
Tea tree (Melaleuca)

The oil from the leaves is used in a variety of medicinal and cosmetic products, and has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. The tree also provides a source of fuel and timber.
The Tea tree (Melaleuca) is a small evergreen tree that is native to Australia and belongs to the myrtle family. It is known for its medicinal properties and the essential oil that is extracted from its leaves. The tree has a unique appearance with thin, papery bark and long, narrow leaves that give off a distinct aromatic scent.

Height: Up to 7 meters

Leaves: Narrow, lance-shaped, and aromatic

Flowers: Small white or cream-colored bottlebrush-like spikes

Fruit: Small woody capsules containing numerous tiny seeds

Habitat: Coastal regions and swampy areas of Australia
10

8
votes
KENPEI · CC BY-SA 3.0

Ficus tree (Ficus)

Provides a source of food for animals, and its leaves are used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. The fig fruit is also a popular food source for humans.
The Ficus tree, scientifically known as Ficus, is a genus of plants that includes around 800 species. It is a tropical and subtropical evergreen tree, commonly grown for its attractive foliage and ornamental appearance. Ficus trees are native to various parts of the world, including Asia, Australia, and Africa. They are valued for their unique growth habit and ability to thrive in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Leaves: Broad, glossy, and often waxy

Size: Varies based on the species, but can range from a few feet to over 100 feet in height

Trunk: Strong and sturdy, often with aerial roots

Fruit: Small, round, and usually clustered

Growth rate: Moderate to fast, depending on the species and growing conditions

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Ranking factors for useful tree

Timber quality

The quality and strength of the wood produced by the tree.
Life span

How long the tree lives and remains productive.
Nutritional value and edibility of the fruit

The nutritional benefits and whether or not people can eat the fruit of the tree.
Soil enrichment

Whether or not the tree helps to enrich the soil and improve soil quality.
Shade provision

How well the tree provides shade and helps regulate temperature in the surrounding area.
Carbon sequestration

The tree's ability to absorb and store carbon dioxide, which helps mitigate climate change.
Ecological value

The tree's role in supporting biodiversity and providing habitat for other species.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most useful tree. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or tree is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2131 views
205 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each tree once every 24 hours. The rank of each tree is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most useful tree

Trees are an essential part of our planet's ecosystem, providing us with oxygen, shelter, and food. From the towering redwoods of the Pacific Northwest to the delicate cherry blossoms of Japan, there are thousands of tree species all around the world. But which tree is the most useful? The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors, including the climate, geography, and culture of the region in question. Some trees, like the coconut palm, have been used for centuries for their versatile and practical properties, while others, like the oak tree, are revered for their strength and durability. Join us as we explore the world of trees and discover which species reigns supreme as the most useful of them all.