Have you ever stepped out into the yard to the soothing sound of leaves fluttering in the
breeze? Or perhaps you’ve enjoyed watching a family of baby birds grow up in a nest perched
on the branches of a tree by your window. Do you look forward to the brightly colored foliage of
autumn?
Trees are amazing—they provide oxygen, shade, shelter, beauty, fun, food, and a home for
many living creatures. Trees are assets in every way; in this article, we will cover some of the
specifics of how trees add value to your wallet, community, and personal life, and how to best
care for them.
The value of trees by the numbers
Did you know that trees increase your home’s property value? According to an article from The
Arbor Day Foundation, trees can:
● Reduce the need for heating and cooling in your home (sometimes up to 30 percent for
air conditioning, and 20-50 percent for heating when trees are properly placed around a
building).
● Can increase property values by as much as 20 percent.
● Have an appraised value between $1000-$10,000 when mature and healthy.
Studies have shown that home buyers are willing to pay more for a home with trees. Even a
home without trees but with proximity to public spaces with trees (such as parks) can be sold for
a higher value. People like trees, and they are willing to pay for them!
The value of trees for the environment
Trees are a vital part of environmental health and sustainability. Trees:
● Absorb carbon dioxide from the air, store the carbon in their biomass, and release the
oxygen into the air.
● Help regulate temperature and precipitation.
● Purify the air.
● Are home to millions of species that keep our environment in balance and protect us
from disease.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a single acre of forest can absorb six tons of
carbon dioxide and release four tons of oxygen, which is enough to meet the annual oxygen
needs of 18 people.
The personal value of trees
Many people have happy memories or experiences connected to trees: a childhood tire swing or
treehouse, jumping in autumn leaf piles, apple picking, or resting in the shade provided by a tree
during the heat of summer.
Studies have shown an increase in satisfaction for members of the workforce who were able to
work within view of trees. Areas of cities with more tree growth and greenery have lower rates of
vandalism, graffiti, and littering.
Research reveals that people living in areas of higher tree density reported fewer health
complaints and felt healthier and younger overall.
Six ways to care for your trees
Our trees take such good care of us, it’s only fair that we take care of them in return. Here are
six ways to care for your trees.
- Water them. Trees need to be watered in all seasons (even winter). Be sure to research
how much water your tree will need depending on type, season, and your climate
conditions. - Use mulch. Mulch is an excellent way to protect the base of your tree from harmful
plants and rodents, and to help the tree retain moisture in the soil by its roots. Place your
mulch a few inches out from the base of the tree. - Prune. Pruning is a vital part of tree health; ideal pruning seasons are fall and spring.
Consistently pruning your trees prevents damage that can lead to disease and
infestations. - Strengthen and protect. Small or young trees often need support while they are growing
their root system. Place stakes out to the side of the tree and secure them with
landscape fabric (always leave some space extra around the tree trunk so it can grow). - Use fertilizer. Trees need nourishment just like humans do, especially after long seasons
of dormancy like winter. Research what fertilizers to use and how much to apply (too
much fertilizer can be damaging). - Control pests. Protect your trees from harmful insects (like carpenter ants) and rodents
using eco-friendly pest deterrents such as horticultural oils, soap sprays, and
diatomaceous earth.
Trees are superheroes in our world. They add to our health, wealth, and happiness every day. Taking care of your trees will add to the value of your home, community, and environment. Looking for guidance on how to best care for your trees? We can help.
Advanced Tree Care combines top-notch equipment, cutting-edge technology, and well-trained staff to provide emergency tree removal and tree maintenance services. With a presence in nine counties and two states, we work daily to provide unparalleled customer service, safety, and efficiency—as well as the expertise to beautify your landscaping and community. Advanced Tree Care isn’t just our name—it’s also our purpose!