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April 1, 2024 Editor, The News-Gazette: Spring has sprung, and it’s the perfect season to admire, tend to, and plant trees. Here in our lovely little corner of the world, we benefit from an exceptionally rich variety of native species, from oaks and sycamores to maples, beech, and tulip trees. When I first drove through the region in spring – decades ago – the beauty of the greening forests bejeweled with pink-flowering redbuds left me speechless. It still does.
Trees are not just a joy to behold. Did you know that having healthy trees on your property can increase its value by 3.5 to 15% (without raising your property taxes!)? That they contribute to healthy air, curb water runoff, and trap greenhouse gases? That they significantly reduce energy costs when it’s hot out? Per the Department of Agriculture, one well-placed shade tree cools as efficiently as several window airconditioners.
Once you’ve decided to plant a tree, arborists, master gardeners, and landscapers can help you make the right choice according to the site and your personal preferences. Native trees are often very adaptable and have added benefits, especially for wildlife. The official website of Shenandoah National Park, 50 miles north of us, has a complete list of the 340 native trees, shrubs, and vines that grow there.
Finally, trees are a great way to commemorate just about anything worth celebrating - a birth, a union, a life well-lived. So pick a spot, ask for advice, grab a shovel, and do your part to ensure the beauty and livability of our county and towns for years to come … by planting a tree. PAMELA WHITE Lexington
