Poet Joyce Kilmer wrote, “I think that I shall never see, A poem lovely as a tree.” You don’t have to be a romantic, however, to appreciate trees…or shrubs…or even perennials. It’s said that beauty is only skin deep. That’s true for trees, too. When you strip away the bark (figuratively, of course), you find that trees provide us with very real benefits, even the very oxygen we breathe.

Here are some of the measurable benefits trees and other landscape plants provide:

Air Quality Improvement. Obtained through the filtering process of leaves, plants…

• Remove dust and other particulates from the air
• Absorb such air pollutants as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide
• Renew the air supply by producing oxygen

Climate Control. Moderating the effects of sun, wind and rain, results in…

• Glare and reflection control
• Wind break, deflection and filtration
• Protection from the downward fall of rain, sleet and hail
• Reduction in yearly heating and cooling costs

Water Conservation. Trees’ interception of water…

• Reduces storm run-off, erosion and the possibility of flooding
• Improves water quality through purification by slowing and filtering rain water

Your landscape is more than just an amenity to look nice and increase your home’s curb appeal. Plants play an important role in keeping our environment in balance. We exhale carbon dioxide, which plants use in photosynthesis, and plants give off oxygen that we need to breathe.

I’m not suggesting that you go out and hug a tree today, but I do suggest that you include landscape maintenance in your annual budget. Green plants deserve more than just what’s left over. And, if you would like professional help determining your landscape’s maintenance needs, don’t hesitate to call. (585) 671-5433 or visit www.birchcrestlandscape.com