The Montgomery County Council has introduced new bills about tree protection. Bill 35-12 and Bill 41-12 are all about the protection of urban trees and determining what you need to consider before chopping them down. According to these bills, trees have become important enough for more protection due to what we are losing from storm damage, development and disease. Also let’s not forget their benefits.

That’s right, trees benefit us humans as well as nature and animals. Trees can be beneficial in different ways. Money, for instance. Real estate gains money by selling homes with trees. Homes with mature trees have been said to have better salability recently.  Real estate sales aren’t the only ways to benefit in the wallet. If you are looking to save money, then trees are your solution. Putting trees around houses reduces air conditioning needs by 30% and can save 20-50% of energy used in heating.

However, money isn’t the most important aspect here. No, it’s what trees do for life. Tree roots hold soil and prevent runoff and erosion.

Preventing runoff is good because the chemicals go into the streams (and eventually to the Chesapeake Bay) and pollute watersheds. Trees also have a calming effect.  Texas A&M University research shows that seeing trees helps to relieve stress within five minutes.

Imagine that trees help with stress, erosion, runoff, and money matters too!  When you think of all that trees do for us, it makes you want to return all the favors.  So support Mother Earth and trees.  Please support County Bills 35-12 and 41-12!