When caring for trees and landscaping, homeowners should bear in mind the many benefits that healthy mature trees provide:

Stormwater interception: A tree’s canopy captures and stores rainfall, releasing water into the atmosphere through evapotranspiration. Roots and leaf litter create soil conditions that promote the infiltration of rainwater into the soil. This helps to replenish our groundwater supply and maintain streamflow. Click here for more information.

Improved water quality:  Less runoff and erosion allow more recharging of the ground water supply. Wooded areas help prevent the transport of sediment and chemicals into streams.

Property values: According to the USDA Forest Service, trees that are mature and healthy add an average of 10 percent to a property’s value.

Energy costs: According to the USDA Forest Service, Trees properly placed around buildings can reduce air conditioning needs by 30 percent and can save 20–50 percent in energy used for heating.

Air quality: According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one acre of forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide and puts out four tons of oxygen. This is enough to meet the annual needs of 18 people.

There are many forms of vegetation that are considered invasive according to the Michigan Invasive Species Program – a joint effort of the departments of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE); Natural Resources; and Agriculture and Rural Development. The following plants have been found in the village. Click on the link for information concerning identification, removal, etc.
Autumn Olive
Black Locust
Common Buckthorn
Giant Knotweed
Glossy Buckthorn
Knotweed
Multiflora Rose
Oriental Bittersweet
Tree of Heaven