Darn those leaves? Maybe not.

This time of year, many of us grumble about falling leaves and the work they cause for us; raking, clogged gutters, slippery sidewalks and so on.  Add that to falling limbs, their wear on sidewalks and one might just as soon get rid of trees.

But not so fast.  We all know trees provide clean air, shade for cooler streets and home in summer, habitat and more.  Some of us just plain feel better with trees around; enjoying the sound of wind in the leaves, the dappled shadows they cast and the smell of wet fall leaves.  I know, I know all that touchy feely stuff.

Recently, Money Magazine ran an article entitled, Trim the Risk of Tree Ownership.  My seldom seen pessimistic side jumped to the conclusion that this money focused magazine would suggest getting rid of trees to minimize risk and hassle.  My active mind went pretty far down that road.  I was delighted, upon reading the article, to see it reference the perceived 8-10% contribution to your home's value those trees may add. Here is a bit from the Arbor Day Foundation about the value of trees.

Indeed, there are times when trees need to be removed  and there are things to do to minimize the risk and hassle of trees.  We have a huge and ancient cherry tree in the back yard of our old house(now a rental).  We have babied it for years, having professional work done to extend its life.  But this spring and summer  about half the tree didn't leaf out :(  Should this tree fall, no matter what direction, it will do damage to a house, and quite possibly not ours.  Time to go.  We're glad to have a pretty good sized cedar in the yard  that "volunteered" a few years ago.

Trees are good, even the money people think so.  Now, I'm off to go do some raking.