Why do we need to plant shade trees in town instead of focusing on ornamentals?
The benefits of shade trees are many. They shelter our homes from winter winds and cool them in summer, reduce noise pollution, provide food and shelter for wildlife and bring beauty and grace to our yards. One of the defining characteristics of our town is its full and leafy tree canopy. The early residents of Mountain Lakes urged their neighbors to plant shade trees in order to reforest a landscape denuded during construction. Today there is a renewed need for planting shade trees on private property. Large numbers of mature trees are being lost due to death from old age, damage from severe weather and removal during construction projects. Ornamental trees are generally much shorter in stature and longevity than shade trees. While they have a place in our yards, shade trees planted on private property will help to revitalize the full leafy coverage. In order to keep our town’s verdant tree canopy it is imperative that homeowners include shade trees of different varieties into their p
