Enhancing our Environment
Plants help protect water quality. The right kind of landscaping reduces nitrate leaching from the soil into the water supply. Plants also help reduce "surface water runoff", keeping  pollutants out of our waterways and preventing overload of the septic system.

Plants improve air quality. Landscape plats, including turf and shrubs, remove dust, and smoke from the air. One tree can remove as much as 26 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere every year. One study showed that 1 acre of trees has the ability to remove up to 13 tons of gases and particles every year.

Landscaping helps lower summer air temperatures. Trees shading homes can help reduce attic temperatures as much as 40 degrees. According to the EPA, urban forests reduce urban air temperatures by shading heat sinks such as concrete and buildings, and returning humidity to the air through evaporative cooling. 

Landscaping can reduce soil erosion. A thick cover of plants and   mulch holds soil in place, keeping sediment out of streams, lakes, roads, and storm drains; and reducing mudslides and flooding. 

Landscaping conserves natural resources. Properly placed deciduous trees reduce house temperatures in the summertime, thus allowing air conditioning units to run 2 to 4 percent more efficiently, but  also allows the sun to warm the home in winter. Home sheltered by evergreen windbreaks can reduce winter heat loss and are generally warmer than homes without such protection. By using trees to modify temperatures and protect against wind, the amount of fossil fuels used for cooling and heating is reduced.

Landscaping helps screen busy streets and intersections. Properly placed plantings offer more privacy by screening out busy noises and reducing glare from headlights.