The greenhouse effect, while catchy, is short on information. Global warming occurs when carbon dioxide in our atmosphere acts like the glass in an average greenhouse. As the sun's rays penetrate and hit the earth, they are reflected as longer-wave heat. The carbon dioxide in the atmosphere then acts as a trampoline, bouncing heat waves back to the planet's surface. This creates a trap for the heat that should dissipate into space, turning the earth into a planetary hothouse.
Enough of the science lesson. Suffice it to say, that planting trees can help keep global temperatures under control since they use carbon dioxide as they grow. What's in it for you besides helping the earth? Well, how about saving you money?
Properly planted trees mean shade, which can reduce air conditioning needs by 10 to 50-percent. A tree that is well maintained from seedling to maturity will continue to filter pollution from the air for 20 to 60 years or more. A single urban tree can provide up to $273 a year in air conditioning, pollution fighting, erosion and storm water control and wildlife shelter benefits. Trees can reduce temperatures as much as 9 degrees during the summer time, and each tree removes 26 pounds of carbon dioxide from the air each year and releases about 13 pounds of oxygen -- enough each day for a family of four.
To best take advantage of the energy-saving capabilties of trees, plant deciduous trees -- specimens that lose their leaves each fall -- on the south side of your house. Deciduous trees are important because their foliage will shade your house in the summer, yet their leaves will drop to allow the warmth of the sun to raise house temperatures during cold weather. Planting along your house's southern exposure is vital since that is the hottest side of the house.
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