Who Says Money Doesn’t Grow On Trees?

Most of us tend to think more about trees in the spring and fall when the seasons change. In spring we eagerly await the emergence of tender green leaves; in fall we luxuriate in the visual banquet of oranges, yellows and reds.

Trees provide us with a great many intangible benefits. Trees create feelings of relaxation and well being, they provide privacy and a sense of solitude and security. They often serve as a bridge to history and many are planted as memorials to loved ones. Some people feel an almost religious connection to trees. And studies have shown that looking at trees and other vegetation can slow the heartbeat, lower blood pressure and result in a more relaxed brain pattern.

In addition to the intangible benefits that are hard to quantify, trees have tangible benefits that can be measured and that can result in long-term savings for you, the homeowner. Trees reduce air pollution, they conserve water and reduce soil erosion, they save energy, reduce noise pollution, create wildlife habitat and increase property values.

In a 1985 study, the American Forestry Association concluded that, yearly, an average fifty-year-old urban tree would supply air conditioning worth $73, soil erosion and storm water control worth $75, wildlife shelter worth another $75 and air pollution control valued at $50. Total value in 1985 dollars was $273. Total value during the tree's lifetime, compounded at five percent for fifty years, equals $57,151. And that's not including the 5-20% higher property value of a landscaped home.

Just how do trees provide us with these benefits? First of all, trees act as a carbon sink by removing the carbon from carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere and storing it as cellulose in the trunk. At the same time, trees release oxygen back into the air. The trees on one acre produce enough oxygen for 18 people every day.

Trees also reduce the greenhouse effect by shading our buildings. This decreases the need for air conditioning by up to 30%, thus reducing the amount of fossil fuel burned to produce electricity.

Strategically placed trees can be as effective as other energy-saving home improvements like insulation and weather-tight windows and doors. Deciduous trees, which shed their leaves in winter, can provide shade and block heat from the sun during summer months. In winter, they admit sunlight for warming. These trees should be planted on the south and west sides of buildings. Plant "solar friendly" trees with open crowns that drop their leaves in early fall and leaf out again in early spring. Examples are ash, maple and poplar.

Evergreens, which keep their needles all year, can serve as windbreaks to save 10 to 50% of the energy used for heating. Plant evergreens on the north side of your home to intercept and slow down winter winds.

In addition, sound is absorbed by the leaves, twigs and branches of trees and shrubs. Trees not only help to control noise pollution but add the soothing sounds of wind rustling through leaves and branches. Tree roots help hold the soil in place, reducing soil erosion. The channels created by roots help increase water infiltration.

Trees, especially when planted in groups, add significantly to the numbers and different types of birds and animals in an area. They add color, sound and movement to the landscape and are greatly enjoyed by people.

With all the benefits provided by trees, how can you afford not to plant 1 or 2, or several? At this time of year there are often great deals to be found at nurseries and garden centers. It's a very satisfying feeling to plant something that benefits you, the environment and future generations.

Call the UNH Cooperative Extension's Family, Home & Garden Education Center's Info-Line toll free at 1-877-398-4769 for "Practical Solutions to Everyday Questions." Trained volunteers are available to answer your questions Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 2:00pm.

Margaret Hagen, UNH Cooperative Extension Educator, Agricultural Resources, Hillsborough County