Spring is a time for renewal and rebirth, so what better time to plant something and watch it thrive? There’s no better time to get your hands dirty and plant a tree than this Arbor Day, which falls on April 27. Our friends at The Arbor Foundation are offering many easy, affordable and effective ways to plant and replant trees in areas that are desperately in need. Hurricane devastation hit hard in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico, and a small act on your part can go great lengths in helping to restore hope and growth. Additionally, planting trees in your neighborhood is also a great way to save energy, money, and contribute to making the world a little greener.
The benefits of tree planting are endless. We break it down for you in this handy guide:
Trees Fight Climate Change
Yep, you read that right. Trees are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they are true caregivers of our planet. By removing carbon dioxide from our air and storing the carbon in the trees and the soil, they release oxygen into the atmosphere. They also purify our water and our air, halt soil erosion, and block out harsh winter winds.
Plant a Tree, Save Energy and Save Money
Planting trees around your home can go a long way to saving you money, as well as helping to alleviate the effects of climate change. Deciduous trees planted around the south and west sides of your home can help to keep your home cool in summer, and warm in winter. Not having to crank the heat in the winter months or, likewise, blast the AC in summer can significantly reduce your energy bill as well as your carbon footprint. According to the U.S. Forest Service Center for Urban Forest Research, simply planting three trees, when properly placed around your home, can save up to 30% of your energy use. Not sure which type of tree will thrive where you live? Check out the Arbor Day Foundation’s handy geographical guide to choosing your variety.
A Greener Neighborhood = a Greener Planet
The more the trees, the greater the shade. What does that mean for your community? Well, for one thing, shade from trees keeps our cars cooler. Cooler vehicles mean fewer emissions from engines. And, neighborhood streets lined with trees are up to 10 degrees cooler on average. Ah, now doesn’t that make you breathe a little easier?
Whether you get your hands dirty in the dirt or make a donation to plant a tree or trees where they are so desperately needed across hurricane-stricken areas, there are many ways to do your part this Arbor Day. Have fun going green!