I look at yards without trees, and they look sad. Trees enhance the beauty of any lot and add value to your property. Ask any realtor if you don't believe that.
The giant live oak tree at left was one reason we bought our present home. This is how it looked before we removed the "ring" around the tree.
We created a rock "river bed" style in the entire area where there was grass so the roots now have more room. The tree was there long before the houses were built, and I want it to stay healthy.
Why Plant Trees
Strategically placed and planted, trees and shrubs can shade a house, making it cooler in the summer, and in the winter protect it from the bitterly cold wind. Landscaping for energy efficiency can reduce air conditioning costs by 15%.
When choosing trees consider whether you want them to block the sun or lose their leaves to let the winter sun warm your property.
How To Position Trees
1. If you need protection from harsh winter wind, then evergreens are a good choice.
2. To shade your house from the summer sun, plant trees on the east, south and west sides of the house.
3. Plan ahead by drawing a sketch of your property. Make sure the site on your lot where you want to plant has room for the growth of a tree. You don't want a mature tree to crowd the eaves of the house or the roof. You certainly don't want to plant to close to your house because the roots can ruin your foundation.
4. Plan wisely by calling your utility hot line. They'll send someone out to mark your underground utility lines so you won't cut a cable or phone line or blow yourself and your house up by hitting a gas line. (My neighbor didn't do this, and he cut the underground phone cable. He didn't like the $750.00 bill the phone company presented him with.)
I'll close with Trees, a poem by Alfred Joyce Kilmer that is now in public domain. Known primarily as Joyce Kilmer, he was born December 6, 1886 and passed away on July 30, 1918. Mr. Kilmer is mostly remembered for Trees, published in 1914 in the collection Trees and Other Poems.
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CC0 License: www.pexels.com/photo/night-tree-7130/
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I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.
Takeaway Truth
Now go out and plant a tree.
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