Wait! Don’t scroll past this article. I know this topic has been covered countless times and you probably think you’ve heard it all before. That trees can improve your mental and physical health, reduce air pollution, have a cooling effect in summer months, provide habitat and sustenance for animals, reduce erosion, aid in stormwater management, and the list goes on and on. But trees do more…so much more, and that is the nature of this article. So read on for an unconventional, but respectful tip-of-the-hat to trees and some of their lesser-known benefits.
Impact on Property Values
Okay, I lied. This first benefit is one you’ve probably heard about before, but allow me to put a slightly different spin on it. Conventional wisdom says an expertly landscaped yard (with plenty of well-cared-for trees) can increase property values by as much as 10-15%. I’ve always been slightly skeptical of these figures, and from personal experience, have never realized this kind of financial windfall. But a recent survey of U.S. licensed real estate agents reveals a belief that poorly landscaped yards can reduce the worth of a home by as much as 30%! This finding makes total sense to me because when shopping for a home back in 2017, my wife and I would quickly disqualify from consideration otherwise “nice” houses when they were saddled with dated/overgrown landscapes and/or dangerous (in my opinion) trees.
Leave a Legacy
How will you be remembered? How would you like to be remembered? These are loaded questions to be sure, but whenever I’m in the presence of old, historic, venerable trees, I quietly thank the person (or squirrel) who had a hand/paw in leaving something of incalculable value for the rest of us. Human tree planters are, by nature, optimistic people who fully understand they probably won’t be around to fully appreciate the fruits of their labor. But that’s okay because tree planters of today get to enjoy the many selfless acts bestowed on us from our tree planting predecessors. Pay it forward? How about plant it forward?
Meet Neighbors and Make New Friends
If you plant it, they will come. Seriously, if you plant a tree in your front yard, people will stop and converse with you. Total strangers will interrupt their walk to inquire about your tree. “What is that? How big will it get? Was it difficult digging that hole?” Tree planting creates a wonderful opportunity to meet people in your neighborhood who ordinarily would remain strangers. And if you really want to mingle, a term made famous by radio host and political commentator Michael Smerconish, then join a tree-planting effort in your community and be prepared to interact with people from all walks of life. With some, you may share similar beliefs and outlooks, while others come with life experiences and a perspective quite different from your own. Perhaps a tad scary until you realize that in the end, you all have one thing in common…respect for your community and appreciation for trees. And that’s a great place to begin and sustain any conversation.
This spring, for reasons mentioned and more, get outside, head over to the local garden center, purchase and then plant a tree or three. After which you can safely rest in the knowledge that your two-hour investment will pay dividends for decades if not for centuries to come.
More Information
- Tree Planting Basics
- Planting Trees in the Landscape
- How to Plant Bare Root Plants
- Care of Newly-Planted Trees
- Guidelines for Selecting Trees (PDF)
- Tips for Selecting and Purchasing Trees and Shrubs
Photo credit: James/AdobeStock
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