Plant a tree this Arbor Day!

To exist as a nation, to prosper as a state, and to live as a people, we must have trees.
—Theodore Roosevelt

There are many benefits of trees, both for the community, the environment and for you as a homeowner! You can find a landscaper to plant your tree or for the do-it-yourselfers, you can also find a garden center.

Test your knowledge, true or false, trees:

True – all true! Learn more about all the wonderful benefits of planting trees.

But what’s in it for you?

Save Energy! According to US Department of Agriculture, the net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to ten room-size air conditioners operating 20 hour a day. Dr. E. Greg McPherson, Center for Urban Forest Research, figured out that if you plant a tree today on the west side of your home, in 5 years your energy bills should be 3% less. In 15 years, the savings will be nearly 12%!

Increase Property Values! The Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers tell us that a mature tree can often have an appraised value of between $1,000 and $10,000. According to Management Information Services/ICMA, landscaping, especially with trees, can increase property values as much as 20 percent.

What tree should you plant on April 29? The Massachusetts state tree is the American Elm or you can find out other trees that do well in Massachusetts through the Arbor Day Foundation.

No space? No problem, you can preserve 2,500 square feet of tropical rain forests today!