Speak for the trees

“Plant a new Truffula. Treat it with care. Give it clean water. And feed it fresh air.” At James Valley Garden Center, we could not agree with The Lorax more. One of our favorite lines from one of our favorite books (The Lorax by Dr. Seuss) is pretty much our philosophy on tree growing. We send each and every one of our trees home to you with careful planting and care instructions, in hopes that those trees grow to provide years of shelter, shade, beauty and joy.

This Arbor Day, James Valley Garden Center would like to share our love for trees by giving one away to a kind and caring owner. While Truffala trees don’t actually exist, we found the next best thing—a beautiful Ivory Silk Lilac Tree featuring huge clusters of lilac blooms that show off for a few gorgeous weeks in early summer. These trees grow well in our climate, to a height of 20 to 30 feet, and are an awesome addition to any landscaping. If you would like a chance to win one, simply go to our Facebook promotion, then “like” our page, “share” our post and tell us why YOU love trees.

In addition to the Ivory Silk Lilac Tree, James Valley also recommends several other unique tree specimens that people in our area may not consider. If you would like to plant something a little different than your neighbors, check out the Ohio Buckeye, the Hybrid Elm or a Linden tree. All of these grow well in our climate and offer different benefits, from outstanding fall foliage to great disease resistance. If you are looking for a specific size, shape or functionality from your trees, just ask and we are happy to help you find the perfect types for your growing needs. We love talking trees. In fact, we love everything about trees and could go on all day about them—and often do. If you’d like the cliff notes version of why we think it’s important to incorporate trees and bushes into every landscape project, here goes:

 *Trees are good for the Earth. Trees absorb carbon monoxide, removing and storing the carbon while releasing the oxygen back into the air. In one year, an acre of mature trees absorbs the amount of CO2 produced when you drive your car 26,000 miles. Trees also absorb odors and pollutant gases and filter particulates out of the air by trapping them on their leaves and bark.

*Trees are good for people. In one year an acre of mature trees can provide enough oxygen for 18 people.

*Trees are cool. Seriously. The shade from a tree can cool down the temperature on a hot day by 10 degrees. Three trees placed strategically around a single-family home can cut summer air conditioning needs by up to 50 percent!

*Trees feed us. Think fruits, nuts and berries. Trees also feed our birds and wildlife with their leaves and bark.

*Trees are great protection. They block the wind, the noise, the sun, dust and pollution. They also prevent soil erosion and save water.

*Trees provide warmth and shelter. The timber from trees can be used to build houses and furniture and the wood can be burned in stoves to keep our families warm.

*Trees are good for our souls. Studies prove that being around trees and nature has a calming, therapeutic effect on people. Plus, they are just awesome to look at. We do it all day long.