In just a few hours of work this weekend you can improve the value of your home, lower your utility bills, and finish a project worthy of bragging to your friends about. Sounds too good to be true, right?

Nope. And all you have to do is plant a tree.

By planting a deciduous tree (one that loses it’s leaves seasonally) you can help improve the curb appeal of your house (which can improve the value of your home) and save on energy costs year round. In the spring and summer months the leaves that grow on the tree will help block the sun’s rays from overheating your house. The less the sun heats your house, the less your air conditioner has to run to cool it, thus lowering your energy bills. When the tree loses it’s leaves in the fall and winter months, the bare tree will allow energy from the sun to hit your home and assist in heating it, allowing your furnace to work less.

So what do you have to lose? Go plant a tree this weekend!