Image source: Tree Clicks
Trees: A community seems livelier when there are trees everywhere, but trees can also be valuable in other ways.
Here are a few justifications for why you should plant a tree at your house.
Climate system
No matter where you live, certain trees can help with heating or cooling.
It is also known that trees produce oxygen.
They perform the following, which significantly lower the electricity bill:
- Effective wind blocks
- Reduce sunlight hitting home and cooling equipment
- Strategically letting light in during fall and winter.
Peter Moe, the director of the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, said:
“Planting trees can save homeowners money on utilities when they’re planted correctly.”
“Deciduous trees are a great fit for homeowners because they shade homes during the summer, but allow sunlight to reach the home after the leaves drop in the fall.”
“Evergreen trees planted on the northwest side of a home can block cold winter winds.”
Another study conducted this year and included in the Energy and Building magazine discusses the concept of tree-based energy efficiency.
The author claims that during heat waves, two strategically positioned trees can cut down on the need for cooling and heating by up to 18% and 40%, respectively.
Wildlife shelter
Trees attract a wide range of wildlife creatures in addition to enhancing the beauty of the surroundings.
Sarah Barnard, a Californian certified naturalist and interior designer, said:
“Increased wildlife can offer the joys of birdwatching, which can be a pleasurable daily experience,” said Barnard.
“Some trees can attract butterflies, like oak trees, which draw California sister, dusky wing, and hairstreak butterflies, among others.”
Growing trees allows animals to find safer places to raise their young and go on food hunts.
“Homeowners who want to support wildlife should try to plant a diverse mix of trees because many birds, animals, and insects have specific and preferred host plants,” said Moe.
“If you’re just getting started, oaks are good host plants as they provide food, shelter, and nesting spaces for more species of birds, animals, and insects than any other group of trees.”
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Impact on flood damage
One of the biggest benefits of planting trees in your yard is their ability to prevent lawns from being washed away during strong storms.
The rate of water absorption by trees is extremely rapid.
Alan Duncan, the founder of Solar Panels Network USA, usually includes trees in his plans for improving residential energy efficiency.
“Trees can help regulate water flow by allowing rainwater to be absorbed into the ground instead of flowing away with runoff,” said Duncan.
“This helps to recharge our groundwater supplies, reduce flooding and soil erosion, and can even improve water quality.”
Planting a tree
It may appear easy to dig a hole and add a stick, but planting a tree is much more complex.
You must consider the tree you select and the planting location while you are planting.
Scott Berry, the president of Evergreen Hardscaping & Tree Care in Delaware, said:
“The best placement for a tree depends on the specimen and its growth rate and growing habits.”
“You wouldn’t want to plant a white oak five feet from your foundation wall,” he added.
“Plant larger trees further from the structure – at least 20 to 30 feet if possible – and smaller ornamental trees much closer to the home.”
It’s also important to think about where the roots and branches are located.
If utilities are installed above ground or underground in a certain yard area, for example, it is possible that the tree’s growth will impact the pipes and lines.
“When choosing a planting location, homeowners have to consider the mature size of the tree as well as below-ground and overhead utilities,” said Moe.
“You also want your trees to fit into your home landscape design and you’ll have to consider where shade is desired at specific times of the day.”
“For example, would you like a shady patio in the late afternoon or a sunny one?”
When trees are planted, they require room to grow.
Experts do not recommend topping, a traditional solution for improper planting that entails drastically chopping off the tree’s top.
“When maintaining trees after planting, one thing to keep in mind is to avoid topping them,” offered Sarah Barnard.
“It may irrevocably damage or harm trees, as the reduced leaf surface area makes it harder for the tree to produce food, creates more areas of direct sun exposure, and offers openings for diseases and infestations.”
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Tree selection
There are several things to consider while choosing a tree, such as:
- How much space is there for growth
- What problems to solve
- Wildlife housing
- Improving indoor climate efficiency
- Where it can put down roots without causing a power outage
Although there are many trees that could be planted, only a select few of them stand out in the environment.
“Oak trees tend to be great for this, but they can grow quite large,” said Berry.
“Tulip poplars are also good selections, as well as certain species of maples.”
“There are a lot of options, but keep in mind they will all have their own special challenges when it comes to how and when they shed leaves and seeds.”
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