Remodeling With Trees Can Have An Environmental Impact

When you are considering remodeling, don’t just focus on the inside. Remodel your landscape as well. Besides increasing your property value, a landscape that includes trees will also increase the quality of the environment in which you live.

Trees planted today will offer benefits for years to come including altering the environment in which we live. Improving air quality, moderating climate, and conserving water are prime examples of the paybacks the urban forest can provide.

Improvement of air quality is obtained through the filtering process of the leaves.

• Filtering removes dust and other particulates from the air
  
• Absorption of air pollutants such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide
  
• Renews the air supply by producing oxygen
  
  Climate Control is obtained by moderating the effects of sun, wind, and rain.
  
• Glare and Reflection Control
  
• Wind Break, Deflection, and Filtration
  
• Protection from downward fall of rain, sleet, and hail
  
• Cost reduction due to shade and shelter, reducing yearly heating and cooling cost.
  
  Water conservation occurs due to the interception of water by trees.
  
• Reduction of storm run-off, erosion, and the possibility of flooding
  
• Improvement of water quality through purification by slowing and filtering rain water
  

According to Jim Skiera, ISA Executive Director, "We often think of planting trees in a rural setting, overlooking that more than 80% of the population live in out cities, where additional trees can provide the greatest benefit." As communities grow, individuals need to consider what contributions they can make to improve the ubanized environment we live in.

Skiera, "With a small investment individual homeowners can play a role in improving the effects of urbanization by planting and maintaining trees." It is never too late to reap the environmental benefits that trees can provide. To paraphrase a Chinese proverb—the best time to plant a tree was 25 years ago, the next best time is today.

For more facts on the environmental benefits of trees visit www.treesaregood.org/funfacts/General.aspx.

The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), headquartered in Champaign, Ill., is a nonprofit organization supporting tree care research and education around the world. To promote the importance of aboriculture, ISA manages the consumer education website, www.treesaregood.org. Also, as part of ISA’s dedication to the care and preservation of shade and ornamental trees, it offers the only internationally-recognized certification program in the industry. For more information on ISA and Certified Arborist, visit www.isa-arbor.com.

Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center