Trees Can Help Reduce Energy Costs—And More (NAPSA)—Trees can provide a home with more than shade and shelter. They can also add value and curb appeal to a home, help cool it and break the cold winds to help lower heatingcosts. Consider these economic benefits from the Arbor Day Foundation: In one study, 83 percent of realtors believe that maturetrees have a “strong or moderate impact” on the salability of homes listed for under $150,000. With homes over $250,000, this perception increases to 98 percent. Landscaping, especially with trees, can increase property values as much as 20 percent. Properly placed, trees can reduce air-conditioning needs by as much as 30 percent and can cut 20 to 50 percent in energy-related heating costs. Selecting trees and properpositioning are keys to putting more money in your wallet. For example, a row of evergreen trees can help block wind. Consider cherry laurel, Eastern red cedar, hemlock, Japanese black pine, Monterey or Norway spruce, Southern magnolia, and white or spruce pines. Check with your local nursery or cooperative extension office for the best species for your area. Place trees strategically in the yard, such as on the east- and westfacing sides of the home. Shading windowsis important. Give yourself plenty of growth space between tree and house—10 feet or more. “Trees can last a lifetime, but protecting them is vital,” says Bayer Advanced” Garden Expert Lance Walheim, the author of more Properly placed, trees can reduce air-conditioning needs by as much as 30 percent and can cut 20 to 50 percent in energyrelated heating costs. than 30 gardening books, including “Landscaping for Dummies.” In fact, according to the Michigan Entomological Society, insects kill more trees in the United States than fire, disease, wind, flooding and drought combined. Bayer Advanced Tree & Shrub Protect & Feed Granules with MERIT?protects your trees for up to 12 months. The slow-release fertilizer is designed to keep feeding a tree for up to three months. Throughout spring 2008, Bayer Advanced, in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, will donate up to 100,000 trees or one tree for each bottle of product sold to restore U.S. nationalforests. You can learn more byvisiting www.bayeradvanced.com or by calling 1-877-BAYERAG. Always read and follow the label instructions.
