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Trees: Having trees all around a neighborhood gives it a more livelier appearance, but trees can also be useful in other ways.
Here are a few reasons why you ought to plant a tree at home.
Climate system
Regardless of where you reside, some trees can aid in heating or cooling.
Trees are also known to produce oxygen.
They complete the subsequent tasks, which considerably cut down on the electricity bill:
- Effective wind blocks
- Reduce sunlight hitting home and cooling equipment
- Strategically letting light in during fall and winter.
The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum’s director, Peter Moe, 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.”
The idea of tree-based energy efficiency is also covered in a study that was conducted this year and published in the Energy and Building magazine.
According to the author, two well-placed trees during heat waves can reduce the need for cooling and heating by up to 18% and 40%, respectively.
Wildlife shelter
Trees not only enhance the beauty of the surroundings but also draw a variety of animals.
Interior designer and certified naturalist from California, Sarah Barnard, 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.”
Animals can seek safer locations to raise their young and go on food hunts by growing trees.
“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
The propensity of trees to keep lawns from being washed away during severe storms is one of the most significant advantages of putting trees in your yard.
Trees absorb water at an incredibly fast rate.
Solar Panels Network USA’s founder, Alan Duncan, frequently incorporates trees into plans for home 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
Digging a hole and sticking a stick in it might seem simple, but planting a tree is far more complex.
When planting, you must take into account the tree you choose and the planting location.
Evergreen Hardscaping & Tree Care’s president in Delaware, Scott Berry, stated:
“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.”
The position of the roots and branches should also be taken into consideration.
There is a possibility that the tree’s growth will affect the pipes and lines if utilities are built above ground or underground in a particular yard area, for instance.
“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?”
Trees need space to grow when they are planted.
Although topping—a traditional fix for poor planting—involves significantly chopping off the tree’s top—experts don’t advise it.
“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
When selecting a tree, there are many factors to take into account, 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
There are numerous trees that could be planted, but only about few of them stand out in the landscape.
“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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