ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, January 4, 1996 TAG: 9601040020
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: Hoein' & Growin
SOURCE: NEW RIVER VALLEY MASTER GARDENER ASSOCIATION
Landscaping is one of the most cost-effective tools for enhancing and sustaining the quality of the environment.
Plants protect water quality. Proper landscaping reduces nitrate leaching from the soil into water supplies. Plants also reduce surface water runoff, keeping phosphorus and other pollutants out of 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, storm drains, and roads; and reducing flooding, mudslides, and dust storms.
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 acre of trees has the ability to remove 13 tons of particles and gases annually.
Landscaping lowers summer air temperatures. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 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 from 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.
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 and provide a habitat for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. It will supply shade and wind protection during outdoor activities.
LENGTH: Medium: 57 linesby CNB