When was the last time you sorted through your closet to get rid of clutter? If it's been a while, you're going to want to add this task to your to do list in order to streamline your space and set yourself up for organizational success.
22.06.2023 - 13:52 / bhg.com
We may not think much about the trees outside our homes, but if we heed the words of FDR, who famously said, “Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people,” it’s time we should. After all, urban forests—the ecosystems that make up our communities, including the trees planted on our residential properties, in parks, and along streets—are vital to our health and the health of the environment.
We spoke to two tree experts about the most important benefits of having trees in your yard, plus their tips for caring for these key natural resources.
Deciduous trees planted to the south, southwest, or west of your home can help you save as much as 56% on annual cooling costs, the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service estimates.This is thanks to the shade they provide, as well as the evaporative cooling effect they create, says Roger May of TruGreen. The evaporative cooling effect happens when trees expel water through transpiration, which is similar to how our bodies sweat.
Evergreen trees can block winter winds, which can reduce the cost of heating your home.
“When you think about winter energy savings, conifers are going to be your best bet, because they retain their foliage and thereby have dense canopy that’s going to create a windscreen in the wintertime,” says Eric Wiseman, Ph.D., associate professor of forest resources and environmental conservation at Virginia Tech.
“A well-maintained landscape can increase the value of a home, first and foremost, from an aesthetic standpoint,” May says.
It’s all about picking the right trees, though.
“When it comes time to resell your home, you are able to command a higher price for your property if the trees in your yard have been
When was the last time you sorted through your closet to get rid of clutter? If it's been a while, you're going to want to add this task to your to do list in order to streamline your space and set yourself up for organizational success.
If you want to boost the productivity and flavor of your crops in the garden, then check out this list of Vegetables You Should Never Plant Together and Why.
If you want to enhance the taste of boiled or scrambled eggs and make your omelets taste lip-smacking, you must add herbs to them. Which ones do you ask? Well, here are the Best Herbs You Should grow for Eggs!
Enhance your garden’s defense system with these Plants You Should Grow for Pest Control! These natural wonders can be a great pest control warriors, ensuring a harmonious and thriving ecosystem.
It's officially outdoor season, which means everyone is looking to spruce up their gardens, patios, porches, and yards with the latest chic and comfy trends. But be wary of getting caught up in fads—just because an outdoor trend is pervasive and widespread doesn't mean you necessarily have to hop on the bandwagon, too.
It’s that time of year. Along with the singing birds and croaking frogs, there’s the sound of chainsaws and stump grinders as some people remove trees from their properties.
Whether you're aware of it or not, there are almost certainly a few items in your house that you could be repurposing and making better use of. Not only is repurposing (like recycling) eco-friendly and good for the environment, but it’ll save you money in the long run. Here are eight common items in your house you should always repurpose.
Agricultural lime is a conditioning agent that many folks apply to their lawns, vegetable gardens, flower beds, and pastures. If you’re not sure whether it’s right for you, read on!Is your grass lush, like a thick green carpet, o
When decluttering your home, it can be hard to know what to keep and what to toss. While there are some things you shouldn’t worry about letting go, there are others that you may regret throwing out.
Planting Aspen Trees: Aspens are beautiful, medium-sized ornamental trees with smooth bark and slender leaves. Also known as quaking aspen, they prominently occur in highly elevated prairies and upland grasslands. Most commonly found in the USA and Canada, aspen trees fall in the likes of every gardener.
It’s a kitchen mishap many home cooks experience: You’re preparing your vegetables for a delicious homemade dinner, and during the slicing and dicing process, they never want to stay in one place. Thankfully, there’s a hack that ensures you won’t have to deal with this annoyance ever again: stabilizing your cutting board with a kitchen towel. Because you likely already have one in your kitchen, it’s extremely easy to make into a regular habit. Here’s how it works.
If you have a knife block, it’s probably something you use every time you cook. If you’re more of a take-out person, at the very least you see the decorative-yet-functional kitchen accessory on the countertop and don’t give it a second thought—but maybe you should. It turns out, those tiny little slots are likely harboring bacteria, which then goes into your food each time you slice a tomato or chop an onion.