July 8, 2020
There are many people who don’t really love the idea of having trees on their property and really don’t want to go out of their way to plant more. Trees, especially new ones, need some extra time and care, they drop their leaves which makes more work for the home owner and every few years, most species of trees will need some trimming. So while they can sometimes seem like a pain and just something to add to your to-do list, the benefits of planting trees far outweighs the bit of inconvenience they might seem to create.
Let’s take a look at some of the best benefits of having trees in your yard. Keep in mind that ALL types of trees provide these benefits, so if smaller species are more your taste, they will provide the same benefits as a huge oak tree.
Trees Reduce Stress
Research shows that trees can actually significantly reduce stress. Several studies have been performed all over the world that all conclude this. Simply looking at trees through your living room window can actually reduce stress. So planting them in your yard is like building your own little stress-reducing oasis.
Trees Improve Air Quality
One of the biggest environmental issues the world is experiencing right now is air pollution and depending on your location, your air quality might be significantly worse than other locations. Planting trees close to your home helps drastically reduce air pollution. Trees can trap pollutants like nitrogen oxides, ammonia and sulfur dioxide in their leaves and bark and filter these harmful pollutants out of the air. And of course, their most famous trait, removing CO2.
A healthy tree can produce up to 260 pounds of oxygen each year, which means that just one tree can provide one person with more than half of the oxygen they need each year.
Trees Can Reduce Utility Costs
Just by planting a few trees in your yard, you can make cuts to your yearly utility costs. Their shade keeps your home cooler in the summer and they block out a lot of wind keeping it warmer in the winter. This significantly reduces the need to run your furnace or air conditioner longer.
Trees Can Increase Property Value
Another amazing benefit of planting trees is they have actually been proven to increase the value of your home. While some people are dead set on not having trees, others will pay more for properties that already have beautiful mature trees. Trees add great curb appeal to any home, whether it’s in the countryside or on a neighborhood street. Planting any kind of tree now, small or large can help you not only sell your home faster but at a higher price too (provided they’re nicely kept and not causing issues to the home i.e. invasive roots cracking the house’s foundation). So start thinking long term and start planting those trees.
Trees Can Provide Privacy
Whether you have nosy neighbours or neighbours you love, sometimes some added privacy around your house is just preferred. Planting trees along your property line or fence is a great way to block out noise, wind, add some shade and of course, stop those nosy neighbours from seeing too much. There are several beautiful species of trees that make the perfect privacy screens and are easy to grow here in Alberta’s climate. Plant some of these trees and build your very own green space with a built in privacy screen.
Trees Can Be A Food Source
Who doesn’t love fresh apples, cherries or other fruit? Planting fruit trees right in your own yard is an extremely rewarding experience. There is something so satisfying about walking out the door and picking a fresh apple right off the tree. While they won’t give you fruit all year if you’re living in Alberta, they can still give you fresh, organic, delicious fruit all summer long!
Trees Provide Shelter For Wildlife
One of the best benefits to planting trees is the little creatures that will eventually move into those trees. Planting trees provides shelter for all types of small animals and birds. For the most part, the animals that might move into your trees are completely harmless and can actually be quite enjoyable to have around. You can set up feeders for squirrels, chipmunks and other small rodents as well as feeders higher up for birds. Much like eating fresh fruit from your own tree, it’s very satisfying to have some little visitors around the yard as well.
While trees do require some maintenance, like trimming and of course the ever-dreaded leaf raking, their upkeep is relatively little for the most part. The benefits of planting trees really do outweigh the cons of having them around your yard and we hope you’ll consider planting them on your property!
If the home you’re currently in has some great trees but you are worried about their location, or they are beginning to rot, it might be time to remove or relocate them. While it seems counterproductive, removing trees that are diseased or relocating trees that just don’t work well in their current spot only opens up more space in your yard to plant new trees. Reach out to the professional team at Pevach Corp and we can help decide if a tree needs to go and tackle the hard work of making it happen.
