Plant Hardiness Zone map of the United States. (USDA/Oregon State University) NEW YORK - Planting trees on your property can have a number of benefits, including lowering your energy bills, cleaning the air you breathe, fighting climate change, and of course add some natural beauty to your view.
Although you can buy trees from your local nursery or even from online vendors, U.S. residents can now order a free tree in a gallon pot courtesy of the Arbor Day Foundation, a nonprofit conservation and educational organization, and Freshpet, a brand of refrigerated pet food. "Trees around homes not only help reduce the amount of energy a home requires, but they also add to property value, reduce carbon footprint, improve air quality, and more effectively catch stormwater runoff," Freshpet's Kate Crook, vice president of communications, told FOX 5 NY. "Plus, trees aren't only great for the environment, they have benefits for our pets as well.
Tree canopies help lower heat levels making much-needed outdoor play for dogs safer, and more enjoyable, too."Autumn can be a good time to plant a tree, according to the Arbor Day Foundation, because that gives the young tree time to establish its roots before the stresses of the heat and potential drought conditions in the summer.
Before you do any planting — of trees and any other plants — you should know your community's USDA Plant Hardiness Zone, which is determined by its average annual minimum winter temperature.