Happy Arbor Day- 5 Facts about Trees
Happy Arbor Day! Did you know that planting the right trees in the right places conserve energy, while helping to fight climate change? The Wire is bringing you 5 Tree Facts, including how trees can help save energy in celebration of Arbor Day.
Fact 1: Trees properly placed around buildings can reduce air conditioning needs by 30% and can save 20–50% in energy used for heating. (US Forest Service)
Fact 2: Carefully positioned trees can reduce a household’s energy consumption for heating and cooling by up to 25%. Computer models devised by the U.S. Department of Energy predict that the proper placement of only three trees can save an average household between $100 and $250 in energy costs annually. (Energy.gov)
Here are some placement tips:(arbordayalliance.com)
Shade east and east windows, but prune lower branches to prevent blocking the view
Plant shade trees over patios, driveways, and air conditioning units
Planton the west and the northwest to provide mid to late afternoon
Fact 3: Trees lower surface and air temperatures by providing shade. Shaded surfaces may be 20–45°F cooler than the peak temperatures of unshaded materials. Trees cool the city by up to 10°F by shading our homes and streets and releasing water vapor into the air through their leaves. (US EPA)
Fact 4: Trees remove pollution from the atmosphere, improving air quality and human health. (US Forest Service)
Fact 5: Every dollar spent on planting and caring for a community tree yields benefits that are two to five times that investment—benefits that include cleaner air, lower energy costs, improved water quality, and stormwater control and increased property values. (US Forest Service)
Arbor Day is a reminder of all that trees do for us. It’s a holiday thatfocuses on the future, not on the past. The trees planted today will giveshade, clean water, and purify the air for generations to come. Celebrate Arbor Day and plant a tree!
