Keeping trees in your yard could actually protect your home rather than threaten it during tropical storms and hurricanes. That goes against much of the conventional wisdom in the region about trees on one’s property during hurricane season. On this edition of CoastLine, we find out why.
Tree canopies also tend to improve property values. That’s according to multiple studies – including a 2016 meta-analysis by the U.S. Forest Service. The study shows that to maximize property values, homeowners prefer about 30% tree coverage on or near a property. But it also shows that people value tree canopies in the county in which they live – green spaces – at a coverage rate of 38% -- more than on their own property. Researchers say people might prefer more trees where they work, shop and recreate, because it’s the homeowner that generally pays maintenance costs and bears risks such as storm damage and wildfires.
Today, we’ll look at ways the Cape Fear region can maintain and improve its tree canopies. We’ll also find out why nourishing soil can reduce the need for synthetic pesticides.
Guest:
Lloyd Singleton, Director, North Carolina Cooperative Extension, New Hanover County Center at the Arboretum
Resources:
Assistance with stormwater:
https://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/departments/public-services/stormwater/heal-our-waterways/about
Food resources:
https://newhanover.ces.ncsu.edu/resources-5/
Lawn & Garden resources:
