Did you know that, on average, one tree can produce nearly 260 pounds of oxygen in a year? Having two trees in your yard can provide your family of four with enough oxygen for an entire year.
Since oxygen is vital to human survival, having enough trees around to keep everyone breathing is essential. However, the value of trees goes beyond creating oxygen.
Read on to discover why having trees in your neighborhood can be so beneficial.
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1. They Keep the Air Clean
Not only do trees produce the oxygen you need to breathe, but they also get rid of carbon dioxide from the air. A mature tree can absorb about 48 pounds of carbon dioxide in a year.
Since trees can live for hundreds of years, that means that throughout one tree’s lifetime, it can remove a ton or more of carbon dioxide from the environment. Trees can also remove other harmful pollutants from the air, including ammonia, nitrogen oxides, ozone, and sulfur dioxide.
However, at the moment, humans are producing more carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants than the trees can handle. That’s why many places, particularly cities, have pollution problems.
If you’re looking for a way to offset air pollution issues, then planting trees in your yard can help. They may not be able to completely eradicate the pollution problem, but they will be a step in the right direction. If nothing else, they’ll make the air around your home cleaner and fresher to breathe.
2. They Reduce Noise Pollution
Another value of trees is that they can reduce noise pollution. Thus, if you live near a freeway, busy street, or airport, try planting trees to reduce the excess noise.
The leaves in the crown and the wood on the branches and trunk do an amazing job of absorbing sound. As the trees grow and mature, they will become even more effective at reducing sounds because they’ll have more leaves and wood.
By placing trees strategically around your property, you’ll be able to reduce unpleasant sounds and create a quieter sanctuary.
3. They Help with Soil Erosion and Water Runoff
When a tree roots into the soil, this prevents the dirt from being picked up by the wind and rain and carried to other locations.
Around your home, this is beneficial to reduce the amount of dirt and debris that blows in through the windows or is tracked in on people’s feet.
Trees can also slow water runoff. If you didn’t have neighborhood trees, every time it rained or you ran your sprinklers, there would be a chance that the water would get into your home. That’s because a fully grown tree can absorb 1,000 gallons of water.
Even if you have grass in your yard, it can’t absorb as much water as a tree. Once the soil gets saturated, the water will have to go somewhere, and this might include into your basement. Not only will you be getting water into your home, but the dirt might come with it.
Thus, to reduce the chances of having your home impacted by flooding or to decrease the amount of dirt you deal with, consider adding some trees to your yard.
4. They Keep Your Home Cooler
On incredibly hot days, you have no doubt sought out the shade of a tree to help cool off. Not only can this benefit you, but it can benefit your home as well.
When you plant trees around your property, you are creating shady spots that will keep your home cooler.
This can be extremely beneficial on hot summer days because your air conditioner won’t have to run as often to keep your home comfortable. This can save you money on your utility bill.
5. They Look Really Good and Increase Your Property Value
Throughout the entire year, trees are amazing to look at. There is something special about the buds that first appear in spring and then being shaded by a full canopy of leaves in the summer. In the fall when the leaves change, it adds color to the world that is beyond compare.
The values of trees go beyond their aesthetic appeal. They can also increase your property value.
Depending on the type of trees you have in your yard, they can increase the value anywhere between 1 and 10% compared to homes without trees.
To ensure your tree looks good and increases your property value, you need to take care of it. This might mean calling in professionals for tree branch removal. This gets rid of dead branches that can make your tree look sickly and reduces the chances of them falling and injuring people or damaging property.
6. They Provide Homes for Wildlife
Trees provide homes for a wide range of species, including birds, rodents, and insects. Planting trees around your home will ensure that wild animals have a place to raise their young, find food, and thrive.
When you add trees to your yard, you’ll be able to watch animals scurry through the branches and build nests. You’ll also be serenaded by the songs of various birds. This can be incredibly relaxing, and it also gives you a chance to be part of and experience the natural world.
The Value of Trees and Your Yard
The value of trees is beyond compare. Not only are they crucial to human survival, but many other creatures on this planet need them as well. If you are thinking about adding them to your property, you will be doing something great for your yard and the planet.
For more information on how to take care of trees and for tips and information about living the best life possible, check out the other articles on Tasteful Space.
