Six Trees

 

I know we’re in the middle of a drought, but I won’t apologize for watering my postage-stamp lawn. I picnic and play with my dogs and my grandchildren on the grass in my backyard, and even total strangers cross the front lawn to use my tree swing. (I never dreamed my swing was this popular. Aren’t doorbell cameras wonderful?) Beyond that, having grass to the east and west helps keep reflected sun’s rays from overheating my house. I’ve heard some communities are paying people to rip out their lawns. It sounds tempting until you consider replacing grass with gravel, wood chips or bare dirt can nearly double your cooling bill. Cultivating trees, shrubbery, flower and vegetable gardens, swimming pools, fountains and even lawns doesn’t “waste” water. Instead, it increases the ambient humidity, which increases the likelihood that it will rain.