FEBRUARY 15, 2017 Volume 12 • Issue 7
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The benefits of
“The best friend on earth of man is the tree. When we use the tree respectfully and economically, we have one of the greatest resources on earth.” — Frank Lloyd Wright
building can reduce air conditioning needs in summer. An evergreen tree sited correctly can be used to reduce “The Giving Tree” is the name of a wind speed and this will help reduce book that I used to read to our chilthe loss of heat from your home in dren. It teaches you how trees keep the winter. A study showed that trees giving. In fact, trees never stop giving. planted in shopping areas are restful, They work to improve life in many and shoppers tend to linger longer ways. Trees contribute to our health, and are inclined to spend more money to the land where we live, to wildlife, when they have this relaxed atmoplus so much more. They help stop sphere in which to shop. erosion, help with noise pollution, According to the U.S. Department trap dust and dirt, purify the air we of Agriculture, the net cooling effect breathe, change carbon dioxide to of a healthy tree is equivalent to 10 oxygen, reduce energy consumption room-size air conditioners operating and some are used for medical pura day. Plus the USDA also says that poses. Landscapes that include trees one acre of forest absorbs six tons of help relax us and lower our heart rate. carbon dioxide and puts out four tons Trees are invaluable to us. of oxygen which is enough to meet For Christmas, I received a beautiful the annual needs of 18 people. calendar from Davey Tree Company Trees are a major factor in floodthat featured magnificent photos of water control. Trees absorb a vast large trees and tips on how to take amount of water that would othercare of trees. It reminded me of how wise erode our hills. Plus their roots fortunate we are to live where trees also anchor the dirt around them and are in abundance. We sometimes have help slow down storm water. Our guest from places where trees do not mountains are a testimony as to their grow in such large quantity or as tall effectiveness. and stately as ours. They marvel at the Trees also beauty of our trees. They remind me provide of what a wonderful gift we have right important at our fingertips. links to People who grow trees for comthe mercial use can put a value on trees while others would have a hard time expressing a dollar value. One tree might have lovely flowers in the spring or exquisite colorful leaves in the fall. Others might be shade trees that give us pleasure to sit under in the summer time. Trees add value to our homes and according to a book published by the American Forestry Association, they add 10 percent or more to the value of a home. Trees properly placed around a By Betty Montgomery More Content Now
past. A tree planted by Thomas Jefferson has an important historic value. A tree planted at a historic event adds a reminder of the event. Old trees also have importance just because they have lived for a long long time. There is a bristlecone pine located in California that is believed to be almost 5,000 years old. It is in the White Mountains, but the exact location is not published for its protection. Trees play a vital role in growing a stronger, greener and more beautiful cityscape. It is wonderful how more and more people and groups are taking on planting trees and beautifying our cities. Actress Bette Midler passed an unsightly area when driving her child to school. In 1995, the entertainer decided to do something about this and took on a project to beautify these unsightly areas of New York City by planting trees. Then in 2007, Midler was with Mayor Michael Bloomberg at a tree planting of 600 crabapple trees when she announced, “Why should we stop here? We should plant one million trees.” And so she did.
Midler, along with the two other groups, planted a million trees in just eight years. One person can make a difference and Midler certainly took the lead and showed what could be accomplished. In my community, we also have tree-planting heroes. Former Pacolet, South Carolina, Mayor Elaine Harris made a difference by planting willow oaks and crape myrtles with the help of some grants she was able to obtain. Henry Pittman made a difference planting trees with the Men’s Garden Club, planting thousands of trees in the Spartanburg area. Hans Balmer did a major beautification project with Spots of Pride as did Roger Milliken with the Noble Tree Foundation. Plus, there are other heroes that have made a difference. Each of us can start with a New Year’s resolution to plant a tree or help with the effort. This can be done in your own garden or you can help an organization that has a goal of planting or maintaining trees in your community. Think about the impact that one tree can make. If you reach a roadblock, do not stop there, do as others before you have done and find a way to make a difference. As communities grow and trees are removed to make room for development, do your part to keep your area green and beautiful. You too can make a difference. Every little bit helps! — Betty Montgomery, a master gardener and author of a “Four Season Southern Garden,” can be reached at bmontgomery40@gmail.com.
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