UGA Cooperative Extension

Bryan County Extension
Agriculture & Natural Resources

"Outside Memories"

Fifteen years ago my mother-in-law gave me a Japanese Magnolia tree for my birthday. I had a difficult time with that tree just trying to keep it alive. Each year I would think that it was completely dead and gone, but then a new growth would sprig out and leaves would start to grow again. The magnolia finally started to grow and the tree is always covered with beautiful blooms. My mother-in-law has passed away, but my children know the significance of the magnolia tree planted in the back yard and I hope that they will pass on this memory to my grandchildren.

When I go out to visit home owners in Bryan County, many folks will tell me the story of how this certain tree was a favorite of their mothers, how this shrub was transplanted from their great grandfather's homestead or how their children planted this flower in honor of a special friend. It is important for families to have these special memories.

As an inhabitant of this world I know that in order for us to have these memories we are going to have to protect our environment. One helpful way to preserve our immediate environment is to have a properly landscaped yard.

The roots of our plants and grasses grab hold of urban and suburban soil and prevent erosion by wind or water. This is one of the most cost-efficient methods to control water and soil erosion.

Water quality improves when trees, shrubs, turf and ground covers trap and filter dust, nutrients and other pollutants out of rain water. The nutrients are not wasted by this filtering. They are put to beneficial use by the plants and grasses.

A tree will remove 26 pounds of carbon dioxide from the air each year and release about 13 pounds of oxygen. Trees and other plants stabilize the atmosphere against the "greenhouse" effect.

Plants provide food and living space for birds, rabbits and other small wildlife. I know this is not a good suggestion for those of you who have had battles with the deer or the armadillos.

Properly selected and placed plants can absorb sound waves and can reduce unwanted noise.

Deciduous trees create summer shade to modify the suburban "oven" which is caused by extensive paved areas. In winter, the trees lose their leaves and allow the sun to penetrate and warm us.

Not only is a landscaped yard good for the environment, but it is a great economical investment. A well-designed yard can add as much as 15 per cent to a home's value.

So, as the old saying goes, "kill two birds with one stone": Landscape your yard to protect our environment, improve the looks and quality of your house and create memories that will last a life time and more.

Now is the time to prepare for fall planting of trees and shrubs. Call me at 653-2231 to answer any questions that were not covered in this article or if we can be of help in any other way.