Most people know that trees take in carbon dioxide and produce oxygen thereby cleaning the air and making it easier for us to breathe. Trees are the source of wood products, fruit and nuts, and provide homes for various wildlife. There are other benefits that you might not be familiar with:

Natural climate control 

Strategically placed trees can help homeowners save on their heating and cooling bills. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, the net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to ten room-sized air conditioners operating 20 hours a day. A large tree shading the west side of your home furnishes a $6.70 return on cooling savings for every dollar you spend on the tree. Trees planted in a row as a windbreak can reduce wind speed by 85 percent, thereby reducing heating costs.

Increase real estate values

When you go to sell your house, keep in mind that properties with nice trees are worth more than homes without trees. According to some studies, one tree in the front yard adds one percent to the sale price. Landscaping, especially trees, can increase property values 6 to 20 percent. On the other hand, poorly maintained trees can be as big of a turnoff as lots with no trees and can reduce the perceived value of a property.

More retail sales

If you own a retail business, here’s something you should know. Research shows that well-landscaped business areas with nice trees induces shoppers to pay up to 12 percent more for the goods and services being offered.

Crime reduction

A study by the University of Illinois found that when it comes to cases of domestic violence between two public housing projects, the one with more trees had fewer reported cases and also had reports of higher self-esteem.

Better health

Workers whose desk did not have views of trees had 23 percent more illness than those with windows overlooking trees. When hospital patients have views of trees they require fewer pain relievers and heal quicker. Some hospitals have “healing gardens”, a green space with trees, shrubs, flowers and benches where patients can relax and feel better. The hospital realizes that healing the mind and spirit helps with healing the body. They even employ paintings of trees and landscapes for this same purpose.

In short, trees seem to make everything better and they look pretty, too!