Trees provide many benefits to your home. Here are some of the benefits to keep in mind when you’re making the decision on whether or not to plant trees and bushes on your property.
Long-Term Investment
Reduced energy costs, and increased value of your home. Trees planted near your home provide natural cooling benefits and shade. Shade trees can reduce your air conditioning costs by 15-50% annually in addition to providing protection for air conditioning units. The value of a well-landscaped home with healthy trees can be as much as 10% higher than a similar home with no trees or landscaping.
Improved Air Quality
Many species of trees reduce pollution and remove fossil fuel emissions from the atmosphere. For example, trees reduced 19.2 million tons of air pollution in the United States in 2010. A 2013 study from a university in the UK showed that roadside trees reduced air pollution in nearby buildings by more than 50 percent. If this is of interest to you, a 2020 BBC study found that silver birch, yew, and elder trees were the most effective at capturing particles.
Prevent Erosion
Trees and shrubs are a natural way to maintain a healthy ground composition. A tree’s soil system acts as a bind toward any loose dirt surrounding the tree. The roots hold the soil in place to prevent erosion and absorb water from the surrounding soil. The canopies of trees even reduce the impact of rain onto the ground by slowing or channeling rainfall. This prevents the soil from washing away due to the heavy rain.
Our certified arborists can assist you with choosing the right plant types for your property. Contact us today to schedule a free estimate or consultation. Call us at 301.250.1033 to learn more.
More Reasons to Plant
Beyond shade and curb appeal, trees do quiet work that pays off over years. Their canopies and root systems slow and absorb stormwater, which reduces runoff and eases pressure on local drainage during the heavy rains common in Maryland. Trees also provide food and shelter for birds and pollinators, and a screen of trees or shrubs can buffer wind and reduce noise from a nearby road. Placed on the south and west sides of a house, deciduous shade trees cool the home in summer while letting winter sun through after the leaves drop.
Choosing the Right Species for Maryland
The right tree in the right place is the key to lasting benefits. Native species tend to thrive here with less care and support more local wildlife. Strong choices for the region include white oak, red maple, tulip poplar, serviceberry, and eastern redbud. Match the species to the spot by checking its mature height and spread, its sunlight needs, and its distance from the house, sidewalks, and overhead utility lines. A tree planted with room to grow avoids costly conflicts later.
Our certified arborists can help you select and place trees that will flourish on your property. Call Hometown Tree Experts at 301-250-1033 for a free consultation.