Why Trees Are One of the Best Investments for Your Landscape
Trees are far more than just beautiful additions to your yard. They play a powerful role in improving comfort, health, and the overall value of your landscape. From cooling your home to improving air quality, the benefits of planting trees extend well beyond aesthetics.
Strategically placed trees can provide natural shade for homes, businesses, streets, and even your favorite parking spots. In fact, surfaces shaded by trees can be up to 45 degrees cooler, and homes with well-placed shade trees may see energy savings of up to 25 percent on utility bills. That kind of impact makes trees one of the smartest long-term landscape investments you can make.
The Benefits of Trees
Trees quietly work every day to improve the environments around us. They help trap and store carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen into the air we breathe. Their leaves filter pollutants and dust, improving overall air quality.
Beyond environmental benefits, trees influence how we feel. Studies show that people are in better moods in well-landscaped areas with mature trees, and shoppers tend to spend more time and money in spaces where greenery is present.
Trees also play a major role in stormwater management. They absorb and store rainwater, reducing runoff, soil erosion, and the risk of flooding. In urban and suburban areas, the presence of trees has even been linked to lower rates of cardiovascular disease, making them beneficial for both physical and mental well-being.
Which Tree Is Right for Your Landscape?
When people think of planting a tree, red maples often come to mind. While they are attractive, they have become overplanted in many areas. Choosing a more diverse selection helps strengthen local landscapes and creates a more interesting, resilient environment.
If you are ready to try something different, consider these underutilized and highly rewarding options:
Seven-Son Flowering Tree
Chinkapin Oak – A strong native tree with beautiful foliage and excellent adaptability
Swamp White Oak – Known for its tolerance to varying soil conditions and striking fall color
Hackberry – A hardy shade tree well suited for urban and residential landscapes
Coffee Tree ‘Espresso’ – A unique cultivar with bold structure and character
Seven-Son Flowering Tree – Offers late-season blooms and year-round visual interest
If you are ready to enhance your landscape with the lasting beauty and benefits of trees, stop by our local nursery in Springfield, Nebraska, to explore our wide selection and get expert guidance on choosing the right tree for your space. Thoughtful tree selection today leads to a healthier, more beautiful landscape for years to come.