Planting Resources

Top 20 Reasons You Need to Plant a Tree

Remember The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, the story of the love and generosity of a tree who expects nothing in return? We think every tree is a giving tree, affording us shade, beauty and a small slice of privacy. They help us breathe easy, add instant curb appeal, reduce stress and actually save you money (you read that right).

Here are just 20 of the many reasons we love them and think you will, too.

  1. Did you know just one acre of forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide and puts out four tons of oxygen? This is enough to meet the annual needs of 18 people. U.S. Department of Agriculture
  2. What better way to mark the seasons—just look out your window.
  3. Trees heal. Studies have shown that patients with views of trees out their windows heal faster with fewer complications. Children with ADHD show fewer symptoms when they have access to nature. And exposure to trees and nature aids concentration by reducing mental fatigue. Treepeople.org
  4. In one study, 98% of realtors believed that mature trees have a “strong or moderate impact” on the salability of homes listed for over $250,000.  Arbor National Mortgage & American Forests
  5. An apple tree can yield up to 15-20 bushels of fruit per year and can be planted on the tiniest urban lot. Birds and wildlife can also enjoy the fruits of your labor. Treepeople.org
  6. More trees can equal less stress. Visual exposure to settings with trees has produced significant recovery from stress within five minutes, as indicated by changes in blood pressure and muscle tension. Dr. Roger S. Ulrich, Texas A&M University
  7. The net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to 10 room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day. U.S. Department of Agriculture
  8. One 12” caliper (i.e. trunk diameter) Sugar Maple can remove 5200mg of lead from the air in one year. University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
  9. Trees store water when it rains, reducing urban runoff and erosion and breaking the force of rain as it falls. Just 100 mature trees can reduce rainfall runoff by up to 100,000 gallons. USDA Forest Service
  10. When trees reduce runoff, they are reducing the amount of sediment and chemicals transported into streams. USDA Forest Service
  11. As a stimulus to economic development, trees can actually attract new business and tourism. Commercial retail areas with trees are more attractive to shoppers, apartments with trees rent more quickly, tenants stay longer, and space in a wooded setting is more valuable to sell or rent. The Arbor Day Foundation
  12. A mature tree can have an appraised value of $1,000 to $10,000. Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers
  13. Many local garden centers (including Altum’s!) deliver and plant as an added convenience. Altum’s delivers every tree free with a small minimum and you can choose planting services when you purchase your tree online. Plus, you qualify for a No-Worries 3-Year Warranty when we plant for you.
  14. Trees create a lasting memory. Mark a special occasion or honor a friend or loved one by planting a tree. You can plant one at home or donate to programs that plant trees in national forests destroyed by fire. As the trees grow and prosper, so does the meaning behind them.
  15. “They are beautiful in their peace, they are wise in their silence. They will stand after we are dust. They teach us and we tend them.” Galeain ip Altiem MacDunelmor
  16. A well-placed row of trees and shrubs can reduce urban noise by 3 to 5 decibels, while wide, dense belts of mature trees can reduce noise by twice that amount, which would be comparable to noise reduction from effective highway barriers. EPA.gov
  17. Shade from trees slows water evaporation from thirsty lawns. Most newly planted trees need only 15 gallons of water a week. As trees transpire, they increase atmospheric moisture. Treepeople.org
  18. An air conditioning unit operating in the shade of a tree or shrub uses as much as 10% less electricity than the same one operating in the sun. U.S. Department of Energy
  19. Shaded parking lots keep automobiles cooler, reducing emissions from fuel tanks and engines. U.S. Forest Service
  20. Aren’t some of your best childhood memories associated with trees? Never thought about it? Climbing trees, tree forts, naps in the shade, hide and seek, tree swings, the perfect spot for picnics and so much more. Be a kid at heart and pass on the fun to your kids.

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Find out more about delivery and planting services, tips and care guidelines or please call (317) 733-4769 or email us.