Enhancing our Environment Through Landscaping

Plants Protect Water Quality: Proper landscaping reduces nitrate leaching from the soil into our water supplies. Plants also reduce surface water runoff, keeping phosphorus and other pollutants out of our waterways and preventing septic system overload.

Proper Landscaping Reduces Soil Erosion: A dense cover of plants and mulch holds soil in place, keeping sediment out of lakes, streams, stormdrains, and roads; and reducing flooding, mudslides, and duststorms.

Plants Improve Air Quality: One tree can remove 26 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere annually, equaling 11,000 miles of car emissions. Landscape plants, including shrubs and turf, remove smoke, dust, and other pollutants from the air. One study showed that 1 acre of trees has the ability to remove 13 tons of particles and gases annually.

Landscaping Lowers Summer Air Temperatures: According to the EPA, urban forests reduce urban air temperatures significantly by shading heat sinks (places where heat collects or builds up), such as buildings and concrete, and returning humidity to the air through evaporative cooling. Trees shading homes can reduce attic temperatures as much as 40 degrees.

Landscaping Conserves Natural Resources: Properly placed deciduous trees reduce house temperatures in the summer, allowing air conditioning units to run 2 to 4 percent more efficiently. Deciduous trees also allow the sun to warm the house in the winter. Homes sheltered by evergreen windbreaks can reduce winter heat loss and are generally warmer than homes without such protection. By using trees to modify temperatures and protect against wind, the amount of fossil fuels used for cooling and heating is reduced.

Landscaping Screens Busy Streets: Well-placed plantings offer privacy and tranquility by screening out busy street noises and reducing glare from headlights.

Your home landscape will look most attractive and serve you best if you carefully plan and maintain your trees and shrubs. Your local Extension office can provide more information about planning and maintaining trees and shrubs.

A well-planned landscape will help with energy efficiency as well as providing other benefits for you, such as beautifying your yard; providing a habitat for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife; and providing shade and wind protection during your outdoor activities. So relax, knowing that you are helping the environment while you are enjoying the beauty of your landscape!