Progressive Wednesday

I See Trees of Green: Plant

April 18th, 2007 by Progressive Wednesday

Plant:

This one might seem obvious, but it’s still true. If you’ve got a yard, consider planting a new tree this year.

Here’s why:

• Trees remove carbon dioxide from the air, replenishing it with oxygen.
• According to the EPA, trees reduce heat islands.
• Thanks to their root systems, trees help prevent erosion.
• With proper landscaping, trees significantly boost the value of your home.
• According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture: “The net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to ten room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day.”
• Trees create homes for songbirds.
• Trees reduce unwanted noise.
• According to the EPA, trees reduce flooding.
• If privacy is your thing, trees keep prying eyes at bay. Why kill trees to build an artificial fence when you could build a tree-fence?
• Trees can be a source of fresh, organic food for your family.
• Trees can shade your windows and house reducing the cost of air-conditioning.
• According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Department of Energy, “the strategic placement of just three trees can save an average household between $100 and $250 annually in energy costs.”

To know more about how trees can help you save on power, click this sentence to be taken to the American Public Power Association’s “Tree Benefits Estimator.”

Plus, we’ve got two ways to help you plant a tree:

1. You can check out the Arbor Day website. By becoming a member, you get 10 free trees mailed to you with the postage already paid. And how much does it cost to become a member? 10 bucks. 10 bucks for 10 trees.
2. If you’re not feeling up to planting your own trees, you can make a donation to Plant It 2020. For every dollar you donate, one tree gets planted. Here’s the bonus: you can choose the state or country where the trees find a home. Or you can donate to Trees for the Future: forty smackers plants 400 (you read that right, 400) trees.