The Economic Benefits of Trees

RTP, NC – Trees give our landscape character. They create beauty, provide natural habitat s for wildlife, absorb carbon dioxide and protect the soil against erosion. Trees save us money too. The Georgia Forestry Commission says three properly placed trees can save the average household $100-$250 annually in energy costs.

Trees also add to curb appeal. The U.S. Forest Service says trees can increase property values by as much as 10 percent. Selecting trees and proper positioning are keys to putting more money in your wallet:

• Check with your local nursery or cooperative extension office for the best species for your area.
• A row of evergreen trees helps block cold winds in the winter.
• Place trees on the east- and west-facing sides of the home to shade windows.
• Place trees at least 10 feet away from your house to prevent overcrowding.

"Protecting trees is vital if you want them to last for years," says Bayer Advanced Garden Expert Lance Walheim, co-author of Landscaping for Dummies. "Insects such as the emerald ash borer, hemlock wooly adelgid and the Asian longhorned beetle are just some of the pests that can damage your trees."

If the insects cause too much damage, you'll have to hire an expensive tree service to cut them down. Prevention is the key: Bayer Advanced™ 12 Month Tree & Shrub Protect and Feed (bayeradvanced.com) kills insects and prevents new infestations for up to a year. It also has a slow-release fertilizer. Mix it in a watering can and pour around the base of the tree to protect it from bottom to top. Always read and follow label directions. (This product isn't registered in Long Island, New York.)

Other recommendations:

• Add mulch to the base of the trees to retain moisture and help keep the weeds out.
• Water your trees so the water can penetrate 2 to 3 feet. You can use a narrow wooden dowel to probe the soil. It'll stop when it hits dry soil.
• Check trees often for signs of broken branches and yellowing, damaged or dying foliage.
• Prune trees by getting rid of dead limbs and thinning branches to accent the shape.

Another tip: Never top a tree. That weakens it and ruins its natural shape.

About Bayer Advanced

Bayer Advanced lawn and garden products are created by Bayer Environmental Science, a business unit of Bayer CropScience LP and part of the Bayer AG family, a Fortune Global 500 company that makes such well-known brands as Bayer Aspirin, Aleve® and Alka-® Research Triangle Park, NC, is the business headquarters of the company''s NAFTA Region. Kansas City, MO, is the company''s core technology center. The global headquarters of Bayer CropScience is located in Monheim, Germany.

Bayer Advanced products deliver Better Science. Better Results.™ and carry a money-back guarantee. They are available at major retailers and independent garden shops across the United States. You can learn more by visiting www.bayeradvanced.com or by calling 1-877-BAYERAG.