During these cold winter months, the weather can fluctuate pretty dramatically. When the sun does peek out for a little bit, it is a welcome sign – even if it doesn’t bring the temperatures up very much.
Sometimes, during the winter months due to the gray weather, some people can begin to feel sad or run down. It is more difficult to get going in the morning when it is dark and cold outside. And, leaving the warm and cozy out to go out into the cold temperatures and moisture is never an inviting time.
One way that some people combat against the seasonal effect of the winter weather on their mood, is to have plenty of landscaping and greenery in their yard. This is especially true for those people who have strategically planted evergreen trees and bushes.
In fact, the International Society of Arboriculture recently published a report that listed the ways that trees improve public health worldwide:
- Trees improve the quality of the air that we breathe. 100 trees will remove 430 pounds of air pollutants from our environment each year. This can have a significant impact on homes where family members have allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions.
- According to the USDA, neighborhoods with trees report fewer incidents of domestic violence than those homes that do not have trees planted. Neighborhoods that are mostly buildings and structures without any greenery report much higher levels of violence as a whole.
- The NIH reports that families who visit public parks regularly are more likely to reach the recommended level of daily physical activity than families who do not. Getting outside and visiting parks is a great way to get physical activity without really thinking about it.
- Areas that have trees planted experience more shade during the hot weather months, and therefore use less electricity. Strategically planted trees that cover windows and sliding glass doors are especially good at blocking UV rays and reducing the temperature inside the home.
Whether it is winter, summer, spring, or fall – getting outside for just 15 minutes a day can have significant impact on your overall health and emotional well-being. Having plenty of greenery planted in your yard that is cared for all year long can dramatically improve your desire to go outside, and thus will have a very positive impact on your overall health and that of your family members.
