What Are The Benefits of Shade Trees & Why Are They Important
We all know that nature is beautiful and oftentimes soothing. But most people don’t realize that shade trees show off the beauty of nature the best.
A shade tree with its green broad canopy looks exquisite in your yard. Underneath these lush green beauties, we find peace, relaxation, naps in hammocks, or watching the kids play catch on a bright hot summer’s day.
Shade trees play a pivotal role in providing shade to open areas. Reminisce back to a hot day that you had. Did you find a sense of relief and feel instantly cooler? I am sure you did. Let’s not forget about the fact that these shade trees also help cool our homes which in turn cuts down on the amount of money that we spend on the air conditioning bill.
Time for us to take a look at some of the benefits of these wonderful shade trees and how you can take advantage of them.
Trying to Stay Cool, Shade Trees Are At Your Service
There is nothing better than taking cover under a big voluptuous shade tree in the middle of a hot sunny day. Shade trees not only keep you cool, but they also absorb the heat from the sun which helps reduce the temperature through a cooling process.
Let’s answer the big question! Why is a shade tree so important on hot days? Sources state that it reduces the air temperature of the surroundings by 6 whole degrees. Air temperatures that are directly under a tree can be a whopping 25 degrees cooler. Always remember that Heat rises.
Another benefit is that shade trees help to cool down our homes if they are planted close enough to our structure. With help from these trees, you can knock down your cooling bill by 35%. Before planting shade trees, Keep the following in mind.
- Planting them towards the south helps cast shadows on your home during mid-morning/early afternoon hours
- Planting shade trees on the east side of your home will cast shadows during to early morning sun
- Planting shade trees on the west side of your home will help to block the afternoon sun. At this time of day is when the hottest temperatures surface
Shade Trees Protect Our Skin
Our sun is extremely powerful and insanely hot. The shade gives us a break from the heat but also helps protect our skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
Here are a few tips that you can utilize to maximize the benefits that shade trees have to offer:
- Try choosing a tree that is dense with foliage. This will give you the best protection from the sun that you can ever dream of.
- Pick a tree that is is close enough proximity to buildings or other trees
- Trees provide the most coverage from those intense UV rays during the middle of the day.
The Best Practices to Help Keep Shade Trees Healthy
In order for you to reap the amazing benefits of shade trees, you must take care of them as if they are your babies.
Don’t worry I won’t leave you hanging! I am going to share with you some helpful simple ways that you can improve the long-term health of your tree.
- Look Up at Your Tree Often: Trees get many un-welcomed guests such as pests and diseases that can be treated effectively if and when they are detected early enough. So take some time to admire your lovely tree more often so that if you do spot anything, you can act sooner rather than later
- Inspect: Make sure that you are examining and inspecting your trees and shrubs with a fine-tooth comb. Keep an eye out for dead or dying branches, small small holes, and decaying wood.
- Nurture and Care For Them: Treat these beauties like you would a newborn baby. Make sure to feed and water your trees often. If you live in an area with plenty of dry spells, make sure to heavily water your trees. Nutrients are a vital essential that the soil needs and the trees that grow in soil that lacks these nutrients are not good or healthy for your tree. Try using fertilizer to replace the missing nutrients within the soil that you have.
Are you ready to add some more shade to your home and yard? Trees come in many different shapes and sizes so it is a bed that you choose one that fits your environment, climate, and areas specific conditions. Contact us today to schedule a visit. Our specialist can help point you in the right direction.