How do trees prevent floods?

Answer 1

trees are water receptacles, and not only through transpiration. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transpiration

one of the other ways they benefit us is by stopping erosion of soil into nearby riverbeds. their root systems anchor the slope, and slow down the runoff of topsoil and water into rivers during heavy rains. this slows the rate at which runoff is carried downstream, and helps prevent flooding. actually, any vegetation or wetlands will help to do this... http://www.bwsr.state.mn.us/wetlands/publications/wetlandregulation2.html

rivers where the tree cover along the banks has been removed stand a larger chance of flooding than they did before deforestation. hope this helps.

Answer 2

Trees suck in gallons and gallons of water through their roots. Keeping the amount of groundwater low should reduce the total volume of water in the flood plain.

Edit: It just occurred to me perhaps trees cannot prevent floods. Just because it is assumed they can by the question doesn't mean they can. New answer: Trees do not prevent floods. Thank you.

Answer 3

The tree can keep the water from the flood in side it and then the water will be less.

Answer 4

Tree roots help bind the soil and stop soil erosion which makes flooding worse. They also take up a lot of water and help dry out saturated soils.

Answer 5

maybe their roots do suck in some amount of water n as the ground soil is loose the water has place too seep in as compared to compacted ground and concrete ofcourse n mangroves also help in stopping flooding

Answer 6

Its not naccessary to think about just contens the normal water and it well not be dry/