Trees are a vital part of our world, and are crucial to our survival. They provide us with the oxygen we need to breathe, shelter for wildlife, and food to eat. But, there’s so much more. Here are seven reasons why trees should be a staple in your landscaping.

1. Trees increase property values.

Everyone wants their home to have the highest possible property value, right? Well, landscaping with trees and plants can increase your property value by as much as 15 percent, according to some estimates. That is a great return on investment in terms of the small amount of upkeep they require.

2. Trees clean the air.

A tree can absorb as much as 48 pounds of carbon dioxide each year and can sequester 1 ton of carbon dioxide by the time it reaches 40 years old. In addition, trees absorb odors and pollutant gases such as nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxide and ozone, and filter particulates out of the air by trapping them on their leaves and bark. 

3. Trees slow water runoff.

Flash flooding can be significantly reduced by planting trees. According to About.com, a Colorado Blue Spruce, either planted or growing wild, can intercept more than 1,000 gallons of water annually when fully grown, which helps recharge underground aquifers.

4. Trees prevent soil erosion.

A tree’s root system binds the soil and its leaves provide a barrier to the wind and rain; thus preventing soil erosion.

5. Trees help buffer noise pollution.

Trees that are planted at strategic points in a neighborhood or around your house can abate major noises. This is especially nice if you live near a freeway or airport.

6. Trees cool our homes, streets, and cities.

Trees can cool a city by up to 10° Fahrenheit by shading homes and streets, breaking up urban “heat islands”, and releasing water vapor into the air through their leaves.

Strategically placed trees can save homeowners up to 25 percent on energy bills by providing shade in the summer and windbreaks in the winter.

7. Trees are beautiful.

This is a no-brainer. Trees are stunning parts of our natural landscape. From the first buds of spring to the colorful leaves in the fall, trees are gorgeous. They make a great decoration indoors or outdoors.

So, now that you know why trees are beneficial, which trees make the most sense for homes in Florida? Although palm trees are typically the first that come to mind when thinking of Florida, there are more than 300 different tree species throughout the state. Courtesy of Florida Realtors®, here are 9 Florida-friendly trees that can boost your property value!

·      Banana

·      Slash Pine

·      Citrus

·      Mahogany

·      Loquat

·      Live Oak

·      Maple

·      Magnolia

·      Crepe Myrtle