5 Reasons to Be Thankful for Trees

Numerous real estate studies show that well-landscaped yards with mature trees and bushes not only fetch higher prices, but they sell quicker than houses without trees and shrubs. Landscaping, especially with mature trees, can increase property values by as much as 10-20%. In fact, a Clemson University study found that homeowners get a 100% or more return on their landscape investments.

Strategically placed trees can be as effective as other energy-saving home improvements, reducing energy costs. The shade from trees can reduce the need for air conditioning in the hot summer months. Trees can cool the area surrounding the tree by up to nine degrees Fahrenheit. One study estimated that the net cooling effect of a young healthy tree would be equivalent to 10 room-size air conditioners running for 20 hours a day. In the winter, blocking cold winds is the biggest contribution trees can make towards energy conservation. Evergreens, which retain their leaves/needles yearlong, can serve as windbreaks and can reduce heating costs by 10% to 25%.

This one may seem obvious to most, but it’s interesting to realizing just how much trees benefit our air quality. It is common knowledge that trees absorb carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide while releasing fresh, clean oxygen into the air. What most don’t know is that one large tree can provide a day’s supply of oxygen for four people as well as storing 13 pounds of carbon each year. But trees don’t stop there; they also help trap up to 75% of dust, pollen, and smoke from the air. In one year, an acre of forest can absorb twice the CO₂ produced by the exhaust of an average car over the same period.

When most people think about tree benefits, they look to the sky and think about air quality, but trees also greatly improve the soil conditions down below. Trees not only slow down soil erosion but filter sewage, clean roadside spills, filter water runoff, and reduce the effects of animal waste.

In addition to improving the air quality, having more trees in your area could reduce your risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, and many other health issues. Several studies have shown that exposure to greenspaces can promote physical activity and better mental health. Just admiring trees from afar has been proven to reduce blood pressure and stress-related hormones.