Want to help your environment, add to the scenery and possibly even help your pocketbook? Plant a tree.
For this Friday's Missouri Arbor Day, the Missouri Department of Conservation again is asking Missourians to consider planting a tree and practicing proper tree care.
While National Arbor Day is the last Friday of April (April 30 this year), Missouri has celebrated Arbor Day on the first Friday in April since 1886.
The benefits of planting a tree are numerous. They provide beauty and have a calming effect. They provide shade and a place for children to play. They give off oxygen for us to breathe and they filter the air, reducing harmful pollutants. They encourage wildlife and reduce stormwater runoff.
Health benefits of spending time in the woods include reducing stress, heart rate and blood pressure, while boosting energy levels, MDC said.
As for economic benefits, they can reduce heating costs and increase the value of homes.
Interestingly, even North Korea's official newspaper has encouraged its population to plant a tree on Arbor Day.
Forests in Missouri cover about a third of the state.
If you need advice on tree maintenance, visit mdc.mo.gov/tree-health. Another good educational resource is an online series being held on different topics each Friday in April. To learn more, visit forestandwoodland. org/arbor-month.
Arbor Day is a great opportunity to learn a little about trees and to plant one yourself. It's something that will add value to your life but to those in future generations as well.