Trees, especially in forests, are known for their ability to sequester carbon, acting as carbon sinks for the surrounding environment. While this is a common feature of forests, it is often expected that single trees would not be able to make an impact as significant as that of a forest. And while this assumption would be correct in the fact that one tree cannot do what an entire forest can, it is untrue when it comes to the impact per tree.

While a single tree in an urban area sequesters 4.5-11 kg of carbon, the same amount as a tree in a forest, it is responsible for avoiding the combustion of 18 kg of carbon annually. This discrepancy is due to the reduction in energy use that urban trees create by providing shade for buildings in the area, reducing their need for cooling. This makes the impact of one tree in an urban area equivalent to the impact of 3-5 trees in a forest.

When planting trees in your yard, there are many factors to consider. Do I want my tree to have fruit? Should it be deciduous or evergreen? Where should I plant my tree? This question is especially important as it could save a percentage of money allotted to paying for energy.

Depending on the shade provided by the tree and other factors affecting the area, each tree can provide up to $200 in energy savings over its lifetime. Maryland is a temperate region, which means that the tree must be placed to allow for the maximization of the sun to warm the house in the winter, provide shade in the summer, deflect winter winds away from the house, and bring summer breezes towards the home. Accounting for these conditions can reduce 25% of the energy used in your home.

In addition to saving money on utility bills, increasing the tree canopy in your neighborhoods can have significant reductions in carbon emissions at power plants, as less energy will be needed to keep homes cool. A study conducted in Sacramento, California, created a model where four trees would be planted in each yard. The model found that there would be a reduction of 60 kilotons of carbon emissions as a result of decreased energy consumption.

GHEP’s Family Tree Adoption Program (FTAP) allows Prince George’s County residents to select up to three free trees for their home. By participating in the FTAP, you can save money on energy bills and play a part in reducing Prince George’s County emissions! And that is a double take. The trees not only beautify; they also add to your pocket.

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