When you’re thinking about what to add to your yard, you may consider trees just because of their looks. And they do provide beauty year-round, from the fall foliage to the spring regrowth. But planting trees has much, much more of a positive impact than you ever would have guessed. And they’re much easier to plant than you probably assumed, so what are you waiting for? Read on below to find out all about the benefits of planting trees in your yard.
Beneficial for the Environment
Planting trees in your yard is actually one of the easiest things you can do to help better the environment. Trees enable more biodiversity in the general area. Trees can reduce surface water runoff, which decreases soil erosion. The leaf canopies help the water go into the soil instead of running off. Water runoff can also lead to floods, so trees help prevent those.
It also stops harmful chemicals from accumulating in streams. And, in general, planting trees can offset the negative effects of man-made environmental issues. They also help water tables recharge. Not to mention they protect the earth by preventing fire and blocking wind. If you’ve been wondering what you can do to combat climate change and reduce your carbon footprint, planting trees in your yard is it.
Cleaner Air
One of the other environmental benefits of trees is that they can help clear the air. Air pollution is very bad for the environment and can be harmful all around. Trees can absorb pollution and odors, including nitrogen oxides, ozone, sulfur dioxide, and ammonia.
Certain trees can absorb 10 or even all the way up to 48 pounds of carbon dioxide a year, which can add up to storing hundreds of pounds over their lifetime. And while they absorb the polluted air, they also release many pounds of beneficial oxygen back into the air. Just one tree can provide the necessary oxygen for four people. That can make quite a difference! They can also absorb pollen, ash, and dust. If you live in a larger city, trees can be great for reducing the harmful effects of smog.
Trees Make You Healthier
Trees have benefits for your health, both physically and mentally. Trees help shield you and your family from harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of skin cancer or other sun damage. This is especially beneficial if you have young children who love to play outside all day and don’t think too carefully about their sun exposure.
By clearing the air, planting trees in your yard can also make it easier to breathe. People are more likely to suffer from respiratory disease and heart disease in areas without trees. In fact, researchers have found that by removing the harmful particulates from the air, trees can save lives.
Studies have shown that planting trees actually helps lower stress levels. Trees encourage lower blood pressure and a slower heartbeat. Access to nature in general can stimulate better cognitive function, a more positive outlook, and more self-discipline. Even just looking at trees through a window can help people feel more at ease. They just naturally create a calmer atmosphere. That’s exactly why hospitals aim to have tree-filled grounds visible from patient’s windows.
More Energy Efficiency and Saves You Money
Planting trees will help you save on your energy bill. Even planting just one tree can end up cutting down your bill quite a bit. This is because trees, especially with the shade they provide, can help keep your home cool in the summer months. Trees are able to reduce the temperature of the air by evaporating water, blocking the sun’s rays, and absorbing carbon dioxide. Shade has been shown to reduce temperatures by 20 to 40 degrees. Strategically planting trees around your home can reduce your air conditioning needs by 35 percent or even up to 50 percent. And it’s not just beneficial in the summer.
Trees can also reduce the heat winter winds can take from your home and can protect from the cold gusts of wind. So planting trees can save you money on your heating bill as well. In addition to saving you money, using less energy also helps reduce carbon dioxide and other pollution.
Great for Wildlife
When you plant trees, birds and butterflies are attracted to your house and want to be in your yard. And this isn’t just good for your enjoyment. It has many benefits for the critters themselves. Many types of birds, insects, and other animals depend on trees much more than you might have realized. Trees create an ecosystem and provide necessary habitat, nesting sites, and shelter for wildlife.
Sycamore and oak trees are especially great for birds, possums, and squirrels. And some trees provide food for birds and other mammals. You can always add birdseed feeders to trees to attract even more birds. There are certain bird specifies that are dying out or even endangered that could really use the benefits of more trees in their vicinity. After all, many natural habitats are unfortunately being destroyed every day. So keep in mind that you could actually end up saving lives when you decide to plant trees. You can seek help for trimming your trees at https://www.thelocaltreeexperts.com/in/evansville/
Those are just some of the many ways trees can have a positive impact on your life and the world at large. Once you’ve planted trees in your yard, you’ll want to make sure you do whatever you can to keep them healthy and in good shape. For that, turn to our tree service at Mr. Tree. With our experience and expertise, we’ll make sure these trees keep giving you their benefits. You can find more information on our website.
If you’re not sure which specific types of trees to plant or have never planted a tree before, the United States Department of Agriculture has plenty of information on their website to help you out. This includes a thorough guide for choosing the type of tree and then planting it. And they have even more benefits of trees listed as well. You can find much more on their website.