— Good reasons why any time is the right time to green up your South Florida yard —

Here’s a challenge! Step outside, take a deep breath, then thank the millions of plants that filter out dust and pollutants from the air you breathe.

Shade trees and windbreaks reduce energy consumption, helping you pay less for electricity and reducing your carbon footprint. Landscaping adds 7 to 15% value to real estate and speeds property sales. Plants provide habitat for wildlife that support our ecosystem, including songbirds, butterflies and bees.

Green lawns are up to 30 degrees cooler than pavement and produce a moderating effect for our environment. Roots and tree canopies stabilize soil and control erosion. Strategically placed trees and shrubs add privacy and reduce traffic noise.

The filtering effect of vegetation also helps produce cleaner water in rivers and streams, reduces runoff and the need for water retention areas.

On the human side, gardening as a hobby produces health-related benefits through exercise. Beautiful landscapes encourage feeling of calm, relaxation, and well-being. Studies how that plants stimulate healing as well as intellectual, social, emotional and physical development. Step outside again, take a look around. What can you do to encourage more green in your environment?