This is a continuation of Part I from the September 22 edition.
Q. There are documented health benefits from gardening. Can you give us a few examples?
A. There are many health benefits to planting more trees and plants. One tree can remove up to 26 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere annually. To put that in perspective, that equal to 11,000 miles of car emissions. Having more trees and plants and enhancing the aesthetics of your entire neighborhood, or even just your own yard, actually lowers your blood pressure and heart rate and improves your mental state. Plus, for those willing to plant the trees or plants themselves, not only can it be a fun activity for families to do together and instill in children an appreciation for our environment, but it also provides actual exercise they may not be getting otherwise. There are many, many health benefits that come from gardening and landscaping that improve your quality of life.
Q. Why is it recommended that residents of our communities add flowers, shrubs or trees to their yards?
A. According to a study done by the University of Illinois, the better the landscaping is in common areas of a neighborhood, the more those spaces will be used by the residents, which obviously mean there are more opportunities for social interaction between the neighbors. Plus they are healthier and happier when interacting. Nice, inviting landscaping actually breaks down fences or barriers. Of course, the plants and trees have real value themselves and increase the value of the neighborhood and the houses that are part of that neighborhood, etc.
Q. Landscaping the outside of a home also affects its resale value and the time on the market. What are the documented results from landscaping a home prior to listing it for resale?
A. Adding a beautiful landscape to a home can increase its value by up to 20% and can accelerate its sale by five to six weeks. Our national organization (AmericanHort, formerly the American Nursery and Landscape Association) did a study that bore out these numbers. Mature trees can add $10,000 or more to the value of a home, but even if not mature, beautiful trees and plants are proven to increase the value of any home or property. As we joke, it sure beats painting or other not-so-fun home improvement projects. If you’ve ever had the chance to compare the prices of houses on a tree-lined street versus comparable homes and properties on barren boulevards, you will see a huge difference in overall value, cost of the homes, etc. The difference really should make everyone a plant and tree lover.
Q. How can planting trees help homeowners save money on their utility bills?
A. Just three properly placed trees can save an average household hundreds of dollars in annual heating and cooling costs. The actual dollar value or percentage of savings varies from community to community because of different priced utilities, etc., but the US Department of Energy confirms that carefully positioned trees and shrubs that shelter your house from the sun and wind will result in the significant savings. So not only do plants and trees lower your blood pressure and heart rate, but they also substantially lower your home’s temperature, you energy consumption, and subsequently, your energy bill.
Q. The IGIA has developed a website at www.gardenillinois.com. What types of information are available on the website?
A. The IGIA’ website features a lot of information about trees and plants, the benefits of trees and plants as we’ve discussed here, and encourages people to get out and plant something. It’s very informative and fact-filled. It also includes a search function that allows users to find professional nurseries and garden centers in their local communities, so that they can find quality plant material, and get expert advice and support – things you don’t get from big box stores. I highly recommend everyone visit www.gardenillinois.com to learn more about plants and trees and more about the businesses in their neighborhood that can provide the professional assistance and quality plants/trees they deserve.
Kathleen Carr is the owner of The Growing Scene, Inc., a garden center and landscaping company. She can be reached by calling 815-923-7322 or tgsinc12@msn.com. Have a gardening question? Please contact her. She may address it in an upcoming column.
