Learn how trees cut costs and save energy from arborists at The Davey Tree Expert Company

Did you know money really does grow on trees? This Arbor Day, plan to make a financial investment and plant a beautiful tree that contributes to your environment, your community and yourself. Plus, it’s an affordable way to save some green of your own.

Trees, one of nature’s most wonderful gifts, clean the air we breathe, increase property values and support wildlife. They also help cut energy costs and save you money. When properly cared for, trees can be a valuable and growing asset worth many times their initial investment.

4 Ways Trees Mean Money

1. Trees increase property values. A tree in front of a house increases the home’s sale price by an average of $7,130. Plus, good landscaping increases the value of homes by 6 to 11 percent (PNW Research Station and Michigan University)
2. Trees reduce energy bills. Strategically placed trees save up to 56 percent on annual air-conditioning costs. Likewise, in winter, trees, especially evergreens, placed appropriately around the house, can reduce the need for heating by 20 to 50 percent. (USDA Forest Service)
3. Trees sell homes. Homeowners achieved a 109 percent return on every landscaping dollar spent – higher than any other home improvement. The presence of street trees also reduces time on the market by an average of 1.7 days (Michigan University and PNW Research Station)
4. Trees give back. Over a span of 50 years, one tree produces $31,250 worth of oxygen, provides $62,000 worth of air pollution control, recycles $37,500 worth of water and controls $31,250 worth of soil erosion. (The Trust for Public Land)

Plant a Tree for Arbor Day

If you’re looking for ways to decrease your household budget or increase your property value on Arbor Day, April 28, consider planting a tree. Who doesn’t like saving money or increasing their investment?

The key is to plant the right tree in the right spot.

• Choose a tree that provides shade. Deciduous trees with large spreads of dense foliage add sun protection and provide better coverage during sunny summers.
• Plant it on the east, west or northwest side of your home to grow shade that protects from the summer sun and reduces air-conditioning costs. Avoid planting too close to your house, as shade trees have large roots that can damage your home’s foundation.
• Plant trees that grow 30’ tall at least 10’ from your house’s foundation and away from utility lines. Those that grow 30-70’ tall should be planted 15’ from the foundation and lines, and trees growing 70’ and taller should be planted 20’ from the foundation and lines. If you aren’t sure where to plant, contact a certified arborist to help select the perfect spot.
   

If you aren’t sold by the monetary investment, consider that simply looking at trees reduces stress within five minutes.

Don’t underestimate the value of trees. When planted in the right place and provided with proper care, trees will provide natural and financial benefits for years to come.

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The Davey Tree Expert Company’s more than 8,600 employees provide tree care, grounds maintenance and environmental consulting services for the residential, utility, commercial, and government markets throughout the U.S. and Canada. Davey has provided Proven Solutions for a Growing World since 1880 and has been employee-owned for more than 37 years. For more information, visit www.davey.com.