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Trees!  This is a great time to stop and think about them; and even more than that, to appreciate them.  Although Arbor Day is celebrated at various times, in different states, this, the last Friday of April, is the official observation in many places across the country.  Founded by J. Sterling Morton, in 1872, its purpose is to encourage the planting and nurturing of trees.

I don’t think that there’s any doubt that this is a laudable endeavor.  I mean, what would we do without trees?  Just think about all of the benefits that they provide.  They have been proven to have positive effects on our health, as they improve the quality of air and water.  One acre of trees will absorb approximately six tons of carbon dioxide, while putting out four tons of oxygen.

It is also well-documented that healthy, mature trees in a home’s landscaping can increase the property’s value by 10%-20%.  They can help to conserve energy as well, thus reducing heating and cooling costs.  In fact, a young, healthy tree can have about the same cooling effect as ten window air conditioners, operating around 20 hours per day.  When planted strategically around buildings, as windbreaks, trees can cut winter heating bills by 25%.

Of course, these are just some of the fantastic bonuses that trees give us; we’d love them even if they merely stood there.  That’s because, simply standing there, they are majestic, gorgeous, wondrous, and glorious.  In their myriad varieties, displaying countless colors – of leaves, bark, and flowers – emanating heavenly scents, and offering blessed shade, they’re a feast for all of the senses.

Virtually everyone has vivid memories of lovely times spent in the company of trees.  We sway on porch swings on hot, summer nights, enjoying not only a cooling breeze, but the sound of the leaves, as they rustle in its wake.  We string our hammocks between two strong trees, and suddenly, we have it “made in the shade.”  We gather around picnic tables with friends and family, under the canopy of a mighty oak, as burgers sizzle on our grills.  We relax on porch gliders, recline in lounge chairs, and rest on around-the-tree benches, reveling in their splendor.

So, even though we’re often advised to stop and smell the roses, today, we should take some time out to admire our beautiful old trees; or, better yet, sow the seeds of some new ones.

Just thought I’d plant that idea.

Yours Outdoors,

Kathy

Tags: around-the-tree benches, grills porch gliders, Hammocks, lounge chairs, picnic tables, porch swings