From Guest Blogger Philip Piletic: Healthy Trees, a Clean Environment, and Happy Communities

In the West Indian state of Rajasthan, members of the Piplantri village celebrate the birth of every new female by planting 111 trees. The impact that these trees have on this community is enormous. Not only are these trees a constant reminder of new life in the village, they are also great for the environment and provide shade from the hot summers of India.

While this may be an extreme and isolated example, there is no reason we should not plant, maintain, and care for more trees in our cities and towns, too. Their value is priceless, and the list of their benefits—whether on a home, commercial, or public property—is extensive.

First of all, the shade provided by trees can drastically lower your energy bills in the warmer months. Instead of cranking up the AC inside, head outside and seek refuge in the shade of a tree. Even having healthy trees surrounding your home can save you some money and keep things cool inside. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one tree has the cooling impact of up to ten air conditioners working for 20 hours a day. Planting trees on the western side of your property—in accordance with sunset—have additional benefits that pay off over time. But with enough investment in your property’s trees, you can reduce your energy bills by 3% in five years’ time.

Planting trees also adds long-term value and curb appeal to your home or public property. There are many varieties and they can be planted almost anywhere. Whether you choose a flowering fruit tree or a leafy green one, trees bring character and life to a scene. Depending on the variety and age, a single fully grown tree can add anywhere between $1,000 to $10,000 worth of value to your property (Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers). Especially for those with commercial property, having healthy trees on your land could help you in the long run. The Arbor Day Foundation points out that commercial retail areas and shopping centers with trees are more attractive to shoppers. Also, those looking to rent homes more eagerly choose to rent homes with trees and wind up staying longer.

Trees can impact entire communities when added along busy streets and highways. A line of leafy, robust trees can act as a natural buffer for roaring engines. Even smaller trees can reduce the sound of traffic and stop noise pollution from reaching nearby homes. Additionally, according to Marvin Black of the Pacific Northwest magazine (Seattle Times), traffic moves more slowly on tree-lined streets. Trees have a calming effect on drivers, and slower drivers mean less noise. A horn-free atmosphere can even make a bustling city a much more peaceful to live.

That calming effect does not only reach those behind the wheel passing through, but extends to all the residents of a community. A recent study conducted at the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences explains that people who live in greener areas experience an improved state of mental health. Furthermore, being surrounded by green areas and trees promotes physical activity, low blood pressure, and stronger neighborhood ties due to social positivity. Trees allow people to relax and feel relieved. This also means less overall crime, vandalism, and littering. Residents living in inner city areas with a 10% increase in trees report up to 12% less crime, as is the case in areas of Baltimore.

Trees give kids more room to play outdoors. Thoughts of treehouses, tire swings, and good old-fashioned climbing bring out the kid in all of us. A good way to get today’s kids—often cooped up inside with some form of new technology—out of the house is to take them to a green area and let them play. It is crucial for the health of our environment that our future understands the importance, value, and fun that can be found by spending time in nature.

At the end of the day, simply planting a tree or two is not enough to bring about these benefits. You must commit to caring for the tree, as well, to ensure its continued growth. Keeping your trees happy and healthy is essential in reaping all of their benefits. Your community, your health, and your wallet will thank you for it.