5 Reasons To Protect the Trees in Your Yard

Homes are a protective barrier around people and their belongings, and trees offer similar protection to houses. Trees shade homes from the sun and keep them cooler on sweltering summer days. Trees also give shelter against the wind, and this can reduce wind damage to a house and lower the cold breezes hitting the home in the winter. 

Research shows that when planted strategically to provide shade and a windbreak, trees can lower energy costs. Estimates state the savings could be as much as 15 percent of heating costs in the winter and a staggering 75 percent from the cooling costs in the summer. The amounts vary based on location, home age and style, and the types of trees near the home.

Shade trees keep yards cooler in the summer. Large trees reduce the amount of exposure to direct sunlight people experience when in the yard. Paved walkways and driveways, and decks and patios are often more comfortable to bare feet when shaded. Less sunlight lowers the risk of sunburns and reduces the risk of skin cancer. 

A tree with a thick canopy shields people from light rain, so the yard stays usable longer on slightly stormy days. Trees also provide breezes that can improve personal comfort and make it more difficult for flies and mosquitos to pester people. Privacy also increases comfort for many people. Trees help reduce the visibility into the yard and make the space feel more secluded.

A yard filled with trees will encourage birds and bees to build shelters and nearby pollinators help flower gardens thrive. A healthy bird population can also keep the insect count lower as many birds eat the pests.

Homeowners with hilly landscapes will get the most benefit from the soil erosion protection trees offer. Tree roots create a network underground that stabilizes soil and holds it in place. Roots also help to keep soil less compacted, so water absorbs better. The absorption prevents water runoff that can wash loose soil away.

Trees add curb appeal, so they are an asset when selling a home. Real estate experts say that trees typically boost home prices by about 7 percent on average. The value added by the trees can depend on the age of the tree (mature trees are more desirable than saplings) and the type of tree grown.

Caring for trees properly during homeownership can become as important as maintaining the home when considering property value. Trees can reduce the sale value if they are a potential hazard. Homeowners should remove unhealthy trees or any with invasive root systems that harm foundations, septic systems, and lawns.

Trees are the perfect place to add a swing, do some climbing, or build a hideaway for kids. Homeowners should consult with tree experts or research carefully beforehand to make sure they hang swings and build houses in a way that will not harm the tree. Most kids will also agree that nothing is as fun or uniquely fragrant as diving into a pile of leaves in the autumn.

Maintained tree populations benefit humans and wildlife. Damaged and diseased trees, or those that crowd homes or each other, can become a problem for people and other trees. Professional care ensures that every tree in the yard is a benefit to the house and the landscape. At Baumann Tree, we offer that care. Contact us today to schedule a free property inspection.