Remember, as a child on a stifling hot August afternoon, lying under the far-stretching branches of an old shade tree?

Not only was it a way to cool off from some strenuous playtime, but it was also a way to get lost by staring up into its branches and to start dreaming of what adventures lie ahead.

I still find myself sitting close to one of these gentle giants and staring up through its branches and getting caught up in the dance of the leaves.

If you are living in a newly established neighbourhood, especially with the heat that we have been experiencing this summer, you are probably longing for any type of mature tree to shade your property.

These trees don’t just add beauty to our landscapes; they work tirelessly behind the scenes to make our lives better. Here are just a few of the benefits we receive from trees:

Reduce cooling costs

Trees provide natural air conditioning for our homes. They can lower the surrounding temperatures by as much as five to 10 degrees Celsius.

The shade created by trees also has a similar cooling effect on the surface temperatures of buildings. The shaded surfaces can run 10 to 20 C cooler than unshaded areas.

Trees block direct sunlight from hitting roofs, windows and walls, keeping indoor temperatures cooler in the summer.

It is said that strategically planted trees can reduce air conditioning use by up to 30 per cent, lowering our hydro bills.

Protect the home exterior

Having shade trees on our properties can also lower some of our other costs by protecting our home’s exterior. They can extend the life expectancy of a roof.

By shading the exterior, trees also help reduce wear and fading caused by the sun’s UV rays. Properly placed trees can reduce wind pressure on homes and limit the impact of heavy rain.

Improve property value

Homes with mature trees and landscaping are often valued five to 15 per cent higher than similar properties without them.

When it comes to selling your home, trees can instantly improve your property’s curb appeal.

Environmental and health benefits at home

Trees are vital for providing us with cleaner air. They filter carbon dioxide and pollutants and produce oxygen, improving the air quality around your house.

They are responsible for trapping dust, smoke and other pollutants, making our air cleaner and healthier to breathe.

The roots of the trees absorb rainfall, reducing runoff and minimizing the risk of basement flooding and soil erosion.

The roots also increase water retention and reduce water runoff during heavy rains.

Enhance comfort and livability

How can you put a price on the shade that a tree provides to your outdoor sitting areas, whether it is a patio or a secluded bench set back in the garden?

Having shaded areas to retreat to on a hot summer day allows you to make use of and enjoy your space throughout the day and throughout the seasons.

Having a shaded area to sit provides shelter from the sun, reducing the risk of sunburn and heat-related illnesses.

Trees can also provide privacy and noise reduction. They can serve as natural screens for privacy and help muffle noise from the neighbours and street noise.

Finally, studies show that being around trees and green spaces improves your overall mental well-being.

They help to reduce stress, bring down blood pressure, boost mood and improve concentration. Spending time with trees is time well spent.

They always say that the best time to plant a tree was 50 years ago. The second-best time is today.

Make sure you hug your tree today and tell it how much you appreciate it.

Joanne Young is a Niagara-on-the-Lake garden expert and coach. See her website at joanneyoung.ca.

The Niagara-on-the-Lake Horticultural Society is pleased to be hosting a series of Saturday morning gardening classes, available to the public. They will be facilitated by Joanne Young on Saturday mornings at 10 a.m., and they will run from Sept. 6 to Sept. 27 at the NOTL Community Centre.

Saturday, Sept. 6 — Fall & Winter Plant Show-Offs

Saturday, Sept. 13 — Starting From The Ground Up

Saturday, Sept. 20 — The World of Bulbs

Saturday, Sept. 27 — Putting Your Garden To Bed

Join us for the classes that interest you. For all the seminar details and to pre-register for the classes, visit notlhortsociety.com/classes.