Trees. I believe most people take them for granted, and not many seem to bother learning about the different types surrounding them every day. I've been interested in them ever since I bought my first home in the country near Watervliet about 20 years ago, when I suddenly owned hundreds of them. I frequently photograph them. And although it might not seem obvious, as a Realtor, trees are very important to me.

Trees often play a role in real estate transactions. Orchards sprawl all across Southwest Michigan and factor into the value of farmland, with their age, variety, and yield of fruit being important considerations. I've had purchase agreements include tree removal as part of the terms, sellers insist on taking trees with them, and two times I've had buyers request roots be cleared from the drainfield after the septic inspection.

Mature trees provide shade that reduces the need for air conditioning your home. They can shield your house from wind and snow, keeping it warmer. Trees screen you from the road and from the neighbors, giving your yard a sense of privacy. They clean the air, provide a haven for birds and wildlife, and enhance the beauty of your yard. Ornamental tree blossoms bring stunning color to your landscape, and a sense that someone really cares about your home.

On the other hand, trees can clog your gutters with debris, which causes major foundation problems over time. When they constantly shade your roof, they encourage moss to grow and deteriorate it. They can lay a thick carpet of leaves over your lawn, requiring raking and mulching. Heavy winds and storms can knock them onto your house. And the roots can wreak havoc with your septic system.

For all the trouble they can cause, though, a yard void of trees is just sad to me. The beauty and benefits they provide far outweigh any maintenance they require. Trees grow with us, and usually outlive us. They are where we hang our hammocks, where we go to read on a summer's day, where we appreciate autumn color. So if there's a spot in your yard which needs a little something extra, plant a tree. You're actually making an investment in the future.