trees protect the soil beneath them thus tree loss can affect soil integrity For example the rain forest floor home to myriad plant life as well as insect worms reptiles and amphibians and small mammals relies on a dense canopy of branches and leaves to keep it healthy and intact the canopy prevents surface runoff by intercepting heavy rainfall so that water can drip down slowly onto the porous earth tree roots also stabilize the soil and help prevent erosion In return a healthy