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Trees
Not only can trees add beauty to your property,
they can also reduce the operating costs
for your home. In the summer, when the sun
is the hottest, a tree's leaves are at their
fullest and providing maximum shade. If the
shade is cast on your roof, this can reduce
the amount of air conditioning you need to
keep your home cool. If the shade is cast
on a grassy area beside your home, they can
lower the temperature of a gentle breeze
coming in your open windows and can reduce
the need to water that area of grass.
When picking out trees for your
yard, here
are some considerations:
- climate - first and foremost, pick a tree
suitable for your climate or else you'll
have firewood in a hurry. Similarly, don't
plant a lone tree in the center of your yard
if it's natural habitat is clumped together
with other trees.
- size, shape, and growth rate - plan for how
the tree looks when you plant it, while it
grows, and when it reaches maturity. Some
types of trees, like poplars, grow tall very
quickly but do not spread out. Others remain
close to the ground.
- leaves - some trees retain their leaves (needles)
through all seasons and so provide privacy
year round, others provide a colorful splash
in the fall, and still others (Japanese maples) provide color year round; think through
your requirements for all seasons
- fruits and seeds - trees reproduce by bearing
seeds, sometimes embedded in fruit. An apple tree in the backyard can be a real delight if
you like apples, applesauce, apple butter,
and a lot more things "apple."
However, left alone, fallen, rotten apples
can attract wild animals in search of food
and be unsightly. .
Trees can be a lifetime investment.
Your
best bet is to research your
trees carefully
by studying information provided
by nurseries
and landscapers. |
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