by Martha Leonard

Created on: January 15, 2007   Last Updated: September 08, 2009

These days the motto "Think Green" is gaining in popularity. If you want to join the crowd and think green, one of the best ways to do that is to plant trees. As a home owner, planting trees around your home has never been easier nor less expensive. There are plenty of people, companies and businesses willing and able to help. If a person needs reasons to plant trees, here are a few that can be thought of as the Five A's.

Attractiveness: Ask any real estate agent about factors which increase the value of a house and s/he will alway mention landscaping, especially with trees. Trees always add beauty to a yard. Anyone who doesn't think so can visit a new housing development that has no trees and see for himself. There are enough variety of trees to satisfy any person's taste and any climate's needs. Deciduous trees will turn beautiful colors in the fall. Evergreens will stay green and full when all other trees are bare. Flowering trees come in all shapes and sizes and will provide not only green, but different colors in the blooming season. Mix and match trees in the yard and there is always color and beauty all year 'round.

Air: Trees are essential to air. They take in the carbon dioxide humans exhale and turn it into oxygen. They also help to purify the air. By planting a tree one is helping himself and others to breathe a little easier. Larger trees help to modify temperatures. A shade tree planted in a strategic place near the house prevents the sun from adding heat to the roof and/or walls in the warmer months. This reduces the need for air conditioning and saves on the electric bill. On larger properties, a row of trees can be a windbreak and help shelter the house. In this case, less heating may be required, once again saving energy and energy costs.

Agriculture: Planters and farmers are learning that a tree's root system helps to prevent soil erosion. The great Dust Bowl of the 1930's was caused by overplanting the plains and cutting down trees. Erosion can be caused by wind and/or rain. Trees not only moderate both, but hold the soil in place. If a homeowner has any sloped areas on the property, planting trees will reduce loss of topsoil and reduce mud and dust in the area. In addition, many trees produce edible items for the family (not to mention birds and animals) use. Fruit trees not only provide beautiful blossoms but also food for the table! If the climate is right, one can plant trees that give avocados, olives or a variety of nuts.

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