Top 5 Reasons Why Trees Benefit Our Environment
1. Energy Saver!
Trees give us shade in the summer and protect from cold winds in the winter! The US Department of Energy says that just three trees, properly placed around a house, can save between $100 and $250 annually in cooling and heating costs! We may rake up some leaves, but saving money on utilities is a major bonus!
2. Cleaner Air!
Did you know that Detroit has one of the highest asthma rates in the country? Well, trees can help by reducing some of those asthma causing chemicals from the air. Trees cleanse the air by cooling the air and breathing in airborne particles, taking up such pollutants as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrous oxide. Trees can store those chemicals in the wood of their trunk! The bonus fact is just one tree can produce enough oxygen for a family of four for one year-and we can't live without that.
3. Soak Up Rain Water!
Trees are thirsty plants. The American Forests estimated that trees drank up 191 million cubic feet of water in 2005-this saves us $382 million in managing that storm water. The more street trees means less tax money to storm water management. Also, when it rains, oil, grease and other chemicals we use in our cars runs off of parking lots and into the Detroit River where people fish, boat and swim! Trees help reduce pollution in the Detroit River by drinking rain puddles up!
4. Beautification!
Yes, trees are beautiful- but let's be real- trees have the power to increase the value of your house! Over 1300 real estate agents surveyed in 10 states across the USA all said that TREES are one thing that will increase your house value. Why? Because they offer beauty, privacy, help your energy bills and help the environment! Trees are a long-term investment in your home and your community.
5. Birds, bees and other natural things!
As trees grow older, they provide a home for many birds and the insects that they eat. Let's take the Red Maple for example. In the spring the buds, flowers, sap and seeds provide a healthy diet and home for the yellow-bellied sapsucker, the red-breasted grosbeak, the red-breasted nuthatch, the pine grosbeak and the evening grosbeak! And that is just one type of tree!
Brought to you by The Greening of Detroit and our partners at the DTE Energy Foundation Community Planting Initiative
