There are lots of great reasons to plant a tree. If you live in a new development with an exposed yard that needs shelter or if you are looking to add a specimen plant to bring together an existing garden, a tree can be a great first or last addition to your yard. Tree planting can also commemorate an important occasion, such as a birth, the purchase of a new home and more. Check out our top five reasons you should plant a tree this year:
1. To Increase Your Property Value
When it comes to property value, money really does grow on trees. Adding the right tree to the right place and keeping it well maintained can drive up property value by as much as 30%, making it a great investment for both new and established homeowners. Furthermore, trees such as oaks and maples can enhance curb appeal and lift the overall aesthetic of your property.
2. To Create Privacy
Privacy is a must-have for many urban homeowners. When planted strategically, a tree can create a natural privacy screen, which towers over traditional privacy fences and artificial screens. If you are looking for year-round privacy, evergreens such as cedar or spruce are a great choice, since their foliage (leaves) stays on the tree through the winter months.
3. To Reduce Your Energy Costs
Strategically planted trees can reduce household energy consumption and save you money. When planted on the east, west or south side of your property, deciduous trees can shade your home during the summer, reducing your cooling costs. In winter, these same trees drop their leaves allowing the sun to heat your home more effectively, reducing heating costs. You can also shelter your home from cold winter winds by planting evergreens on the west, northwest or north sides of your property, further reducing heating costs.
4. To Improve Your Wellbeing
Green spaces have been linked to enhanced physical and mental wellbeing. Simply gazing at or sitting beneath a tree planted in your backyard can reduce stress, lower your blood pressure and improve your mood and immune system. These benefits extend to the larger community and are magnified in urban areas where life can be, on average, more stressful due to noise, pollution and overcrowding.
5. To Create an Edible Garden
Edible trees offer heathy, sustainable and affordable food options and are an easy way to kickstart an edible garden. Many trees have edible parts including bark, leaves, flowers, fruit and sap. Adding an edible tree like a sugar maple, hackberry or serviceberry to your yard can provide delicious and nutritious treats throughout the year.
Feeling inspired to plant a tree in your backyard this year? LEAF can help! Through our subsidized Backyard Tree Planting Program, you receive a personalized consultation with an ISA certified arborist to help you find the right native tree for your space. Apply now to get started.
Jess Wilkin is the Residential Planting Programs Operations Supervisor and an ISA certified arborist at LEAF.
LEAF offers a subsidized Backyard Tree Planting Program for private property. The program is supported by the City of Toronto, the Regional Municipality of York, the City of Markham, the Town of Newmarket, the Regional Municipality of Durham, the Town of Ajax, the Township of Brock, the Municipality of Clarington, the City of Oshawa, the City of Pickering, the Township of Scugog, the Town of Whitby, Ontario Power Generation, Ontario Trillium Foundation and GrandTrees/Canadian Trees For Life.