In the 1800s Johnny Appleseed used fruit trees to discover gravity. What can they do for you in 2015?

 Organic Fruit Benefits

Having a fruit tree right in your backyard will provide you with your own supply of fresh organic fruit. Organic foods are up to 50% higher in antioxidants which can reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. They are also lower in toxins and pesticides than regular food, and richer in vitamins and minerals including iron and zinc.

The only downside is that organic fruit seems to spoil faster than the produce we buy from the normal supermarket (although having it in our backyard it much cheaper than having to buy it). But that only seems like a downside until you learn why. Most fruits in the supermarket are irradiated. This kills bacteria and extends the life of the food. Irradiation methods actually use radioactive substances or high energy electrons or x-rays. That certainly doesn’t sound appetizing to me.

Research from Newcastle University suggests that with all these benefits taken into consideration, choosing organic fruit over regular fruit may be the equivalent of adding up two servings of fruit to your daily diet.

Make Money

It’s pretty obvious that being able to run to the backyard to get your fruit is cheaper (and easier) than going to the grocery store, but that’s not the only way your very own fruit tree can make you money.

A fruit tree can add value to your home. It adds value because in addition to providing fruit, the tree flowers during the spring adding ornamental value. It can also help with privacy, something many home buyers are looking for. It can be a barrier to busy roads, unsightly views, or anything else that needs to be blocked. Instead of that ugly fence the neighbor put up, your mango tree looks beautiful all year round!

If you’re not moving any time soon, your fruit tree can cut your energy costs considerably. If placed properly, a tree can cut summer air-conditioning costs by up to 15%. Also, it can provide partial shade for plants and grass nearby. This will cut down on watering costs.

Environmental Benefits

Since we’ve reduced the amount of energy required for cooling our house, we have also reduced the amount of carbon dioxide and other emissions from power plants.

The burning of fossil fuels is considered to be a major cause of global warming. Carbon dioxide is one of these fossil fuels. You can easily do your part by planting a fruit tree. The tree actually needs carbon dioxide to survive. They essentially clean the air by absorbing the carbon dioxide and releasing fresh oxygen back into the air.

Trees can also help prevent erosion and runoff if placed on or near hills. They can also reduce runoff because they break the rainfall. The water flows down the trunk and into the soil. This in turn prevents the storm water from carrying pollutants into the ocean.

And of course the fruit tree can provide a new habitat for birds and bees. The fruit it yields will also feed birds and wildlife.

Health Benefits

We know the fruit is healthier than regular store bought fruit. But what about health benefits of having the tree itself?

Trees can shield children from ultra-violet rays. With the amount of time children spend outside, preventing skin cancer is an important consideration. Children with ADHD even exhibit less symptoms when consistently exposed to nature.

Also, studies have shown that patients heal faster when they can see trees outside their window. Imagine if there was a beautiful fruit tree in your backyard! And don’t forget, the improved air quality is important for everyone’s respiratory health. Something to consider if you or someone in your family suffers from seasonal allergies or asthma.