No, really, go plant a tree this Arbor Day, Friday, April 30th. Get your gardening gloves, grab a shovel and plop some beautiful timber in a hole.
Don't judge trees just for their beauty. Haven't they been splendid this spring in the Midwest? All the pinks and whites around our neighborhood make me smile every time I see them. And, the smell? Mmmmm. Okay, back on topic. While trees bring beauty to the landscape year-round, they are other benefits to trees.
Besides creating oxygen to breathe, which is an incredibly important benefit, trees provide energy savings to our homes, help improve our water quality and add property value.
Did you know, one tree can produce 260 pounds of oxygen per year?! They also act as a filtration system by pulling toxins and pollutants from the air, absorbing as much carbon in a year as a car produces in 26,000 miles.
It is a proven fact, take my word for it, that trees increase productivity, happiness and relieve anxiety. Think about how taking a stroll down a tree-lined path makes you feel grounded and relaxed. See? There's my proof.
Strategically placed trees around a home can help lower heating and cooling costs as well. In the summer, trees provide shade, lessening the need for AC by up to 50%. During the winter months, trees act as a wind barrier. Who doesn't like saving some money?
Trees also help prevent water runoff and soil erosion. Their leaves act as a small cushion for raindrops. When the drops hit the leaves, they don't fall so hard to the ground, keeping erosion at bay. In the ground, tree roots help decrease water runoff by increasing water saturation into groundwater.
For those of us who are animal lovers, trees provide homes to wildlife. Watching animals play in and around trees can be a fun pastime and educational for children. Hang a bird feeder below a tree and enjoy hours of birdwatching, lowering your blood pressure at the same time.
Oh, we can't forget the fruit-bearing trees! Apples, pears, peaches, plums, cherries, walnuts, pecans, coconuts. You got me, we can't easily grow coconut trees in middle Indiana. Now, I'm dreaming of late summer and all those trees with delicious goodness ready for picking.
Finally, trees add value to your home. They add character, grounding, and texture to the landscaping of your home. Whether you are loving it or listing it, trees make a home look like, well, home. What's stopping you?