April 26th

By Mutt Mulligan

TurfMutt barks for trees on Arbor Day

Happy Arbor Day from TurfMutt! Trees are an important part of the living landscape that supports the health of the planet, people and pets. They provide shade, clean our air, protect our drinking water, and help create healthy communities.

In honor of Arbor Day, TurfMutt is here to share just a few specific reasons why trees are tops.

• Planting a tree on the west side of your house has been shown to reduce energy bills by 3% in 5 years and 12% in 15 years.
• According to the Urban Forest Coalition, 100 million mature trees around U.S. residences save approximately $2 billion annually in reduced energy costs.
• Strategically placed trees save up to 56% on annual air conditioning costs. In the wintertime, evergreens that block winter winds can save 3% on heating. (Source: US Dept. of Agriculture)
• In tree-lined commercial districts, people shop more frequently, take longer shopping trips, and are willing to spend 12% more for goods. (Source: National Urban Forest Conference)
• Two mature trees provide enough oxygen for one person to breathe over the course of a year.
• In L.A. alone, trees remove nearly 2,000 tons of air pollution each year.
• Planting trees results in less runoff and erosion, allowing more recharging of the ground water supply and resulting in less sediment and chemicals in streams.

Remember, nature starts in our backyards. What will you do to support trees on Arbor Day and beyond?