Trees That Keep on Giving
by Laurie Patten
We enjoy trees around us because they make our lives more pleasant. Most people respond to trees beyond simply observing the aesthetic appeal. We feel serene, peaceful, restful, and tranquil in a grove of trees. Looking up into a beautiful healthy tree gives you a sense of solidarity. Trees are the very center piece of beautiful landscapes. But that is not all, they also provide great value in many other areas. Here are just a few benefits that these magnificent living things may add to your life.
Trees can act as wonderful sound and wind barriers creating a more peaceful, private outdoor living environment. Strategically placed, windbreak planting can significantly reduce home heating costs during the winter months. A well placed shade tree can also lower your roof and wall temperatures by 20 degrees or more and help you save considerably on your electric bill in the summer months as well. Shade from trees can reduce utility bills for air conditioning by 15-50 percent.
Trees also help stabilize your neighborhood and can add substantially to the value of your home. It is fact that homes sell faster in neighborhoods with mature trees. They can provide privacy, accentuate views, or block unwanted views. They help to reduce glare and reflection. They can also produce a background and soften, complement, or enhance architecture.
Another benefit of trees is that they help clean the air by removing poisonous gases and particles such as dust, pollen, carbon dioxide, smog. Trees thereby significantly help replenish the earth's oxygen supply.
Finally, by planting trees, we return to a more natural, less artificial environment. Trees provide food, nesting sites and protection for birds and other wildlife that help fill our lives with diversity and wonder.
With trees comes the responsibility to care for them well. Like most plants in your yard, trees need special care. It is important to keep tree limbs away from power lines and away from the roof of your house. Branches can easily pull down gutters or cause other costly damage if they are hanging over your house.
Trees add beauty and grace to any community setting. They make life more enjoyable, peaceful, relaxing, and offer a rich inheritance for future generations. Take the time to care for your trees now so that the trees may keep on giving.
About the Author
Laurie Patten is a consultant with Dallas landscape company, Complete Landsculpture. She specializes in commercial and residential landscape services. You can visit their website at www.completelandsculpture.com |
