(NAPSA)—When it comes to yards, the color green may be worth its weight in gold. Experts now say green matters and that the importance of keeping things green could change your mind about mowing, clipping, planting, weeding and a host of other outside tasks. According to Den Gardner, executive director of Project EverGreen, there’s growing evidence that doing these “chores” in the right way can add up to real value—not only for your bank account, but for your family, your community and the environment. Tf all that soundslike tall order, you may want to take a minute to review some useful information about the many values of green space available at www.project evergreen.com. Here’s a sample from the Website: Cleaner Air and Water Proper care of trees, grass and shrubs benefits everyone. For example: In a year’s time, a single tree can remove 26 poundsofcarbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This equals 11,000 miles of car emissions. Add up the trees in your neighborhood and you might see an even more important con- tribution—according to one study, an acre of trees can annually remove 13 tons of particles and gases. It’s also important to have an efficient program for mowing, fertilizing and weeding your Added Home Value It’s well documented that sprucing up your green space pays off in added home value. A study cited in SmartMoney magazine indicated that consumers value a landscaped homeat a valuethat’s up to 11.3 percent higher thanits base price. In addition, The Wall Street Journal reported that land- scaping investment is normally Well-placed trees can cut air-conditioning use by up to 30 percent. lawn. That’s because thick, healthy turf grass acts as a natural filter, helping to clean water as it’s absorbed into the plant and root zone and prevent groundwater contamination. Lower Energy Costs Proper planning regarding what kind of trees to plant and where to plant them can pay big dividends. In addition, your mature trees should be pruned properly to maximize shade benefits. When in doubt, seek professional advice as to the type and location of the trees you should plant and how to care for them. That’s important, because one studyestimates that, when properly placed to shade your home, trees can reduce air-conditioning demand by 10 to 30 percent. recovered fully and sometimes doubled by its ability to increase homevalue. Again, it’s wise to seek professional advice to get more value from yourefforts. Showcase Your Green Efforts To help homeowners showcase their landscapes, Project EverGreen has announced its 2008 Because Green Matters Calendar contest. Deadline for submitting photos is Aug. 31, 2007. Those selected will be the “feature of a month” on a high-quality calendar distributed nationwide. Enter online at www.projectevergreen.com. Project EverGreenis a national nonprofit organization representing green industry service providers, associations, suppliers/distributors, media companies, other organizations and individuals. Project EverGreen’s mission is to raise the awareness of the environmental, economic and lifestyle benefits of landscapes and promote the significance of those who preserve and enhance green spaces at home, work andplay.
