50 Trees Planted — for Each Average-Sized Pergola Kit!

One of the greatest actions there is to positively influence the environment is to plant a tree. Trees are hard assets that make the land fertile; which is why we are growing a legacy of tree plantations!

For Every Single Average-Sized Western Timber Frame™ Pergola Kit We Have 50 Trees Planted!

(On our larger than average sized ShadeScape® shelters there are even MORE trees planted.)

Trees; they are essential builders of habitats and a restorer of ecosystems. And, not only in surrounding environments — every activity, function and homeostasis of the human body survives with the help of these oxygen producing timber giants.

But trees do more than give us the life-giving air we breathe. Trees get rid of pollutants, clean up and filter contaminants, and improve air quality.

The daily benefits received from trees can not be numbered. But I will number a few of them here and why we are so adamant about planting an excess of trees for every timber arbor, cabana, gazebo, pavilion, trellis or pergola shade shelter we build.

As previously mentioned, trees provide us with an environment rich in oxygen. Timber is also a human friendly natural temperature regulator which is why it is the perfect shade shelter material. Shade also helps prevent dehydration.

When people feel chilly it is less desirable to drink water and this can contribute to dehydration in the indoors in cold season. Dehydration can Be sneaky and dangerous, leading to dryness, confusion, dizziness, fainting, rapid heartbeat, shock and even death.

Heat pumped into the home keeps you warm, but indoor air is very dry. Dry air can causes a loss of fluids wherein a person can quickly become dehydrated. This is why people tend to get cracked skin and need moisturizers more in the winter time. Bundling up in layers can add to dehydration from body sweat. When temperatures drop, spending time in the outdoors is extremely good for your mind and body and keeping hydrated.

Dehydration is a major issue in any climate-controlled environment. Traveling by plane is a prime example.

The relative humidity inside of an airplane can be as low as ten to fifteen percent; which is 3× as dry as the Sahara desert!

Water delivers vital oxygen and nutrients to the cells; 60% to 70% of an adult's weight is body fluid; and 80% of a newborn's weight. It's estimated that an airline passenger can lose up to 8% of vital bodily water on a 10 hour flight. The Aerospace Medical Association recommends drinking at least eight ounces of water for every hour traveling on an airplane.

Trees have an intricate root system acting as a filter to remove pollutants and slow down the absorption of water into the soil. This process reduces the risk of prevents over-saturation, erosion and flooding. And they even clean our water!

Roots can be problematic if you want to plant a tree close to a residence or septic system; which is why a timber frame shade shelter (made from trees) can give comforting shade where a tree isn't an option. And yes, it has a bonus benefit: you'll never need to water it.

Trees combat odors and pollutant gases filtering particulates out of the air. If you enjoy the idea of a real outdoor fireplace or fire pit, trees are a wonderful way to help whisk away any lingering smoky scent.

• Shade slows water evaporation from thirsty lawns and plants.

• Trees make a wonderful windbreak.

• Exhausted soil is replenished with rich, new nutrients from trees.

• Millions of products we enjoy everyday are produced from trees.

• Trees provide shelter for humans and wildlife.

• For centuries, trees have been a source of fuel.

Probably the most well-researched benefits of nature has been conducted with tree environments. Exposure to trees helps to decrease rumination and anxiety.

Anything with a biophilic design; which connects occupants to natural materials such as air, plants, sunlight, water, and wood makes physical health better. Trees are a combination of all that and are the largest plants on earth.

Trees are a living document that contain a trove of data concerning natural climate variability, ecosystems, colossal events and civilizations. Archeologists use dendrochronology; which studies the cross-section of concentric pattern of rings of timbers to reveal facts about history.

Each ring marks a complete cycle of seasons. The underlying patterns of rings vary in width and record a year-to-year fluctuation that contains a weather history, wet or dry years, and the age of the tree.

These gigantic recording devices are a fingerprint to history. They have estimated things like the construction dates of cliff dwellings, the age of some of the world's oldest buildings, the age of a burial chamber, dated portraits by a picture frame, etc.

Anciently people built in wood but only in recent years have scientists begun to recognize the larger potential of wood from sustainable managed forests over steel. Many people don’t realize that timber can with fire better than steel.

The truth is: Building with wood is sustainable with a lighter carbon footprint than steel or concrete. Wood is natural and renewable. Trees and wood products absorb and store carbon. The dry weight of wood is approximately 50% carbon.

Trees have also proven to be very intelligent. A European study revealed that when trees were besieged by caterpillars they sent out a chemical signal alerting caterpillar-eating birds.

Trees exchange nutrients and cooperate together. For example, Birch trees will shade Douglas fir seedlings and send them photosynthetic sugars, and also inhibit the growth of fungus all through their network below ground. The Douglas fir trees then reciprocate giving photosynthetic sugars back to the Birch trees in the fall and springtime, when the Birch trees have lost their leaves.

Doesn't that inspire admiration?

The importance of trees can not be underrated. Exposure to timber and trees aids concentration by reducing mental fatigue and studies have shown people heal faster when in a nature environment.

These are only a few of the innumerable reasons we are dedicated to the continuance of planting SO MANY, wonderful TREES to better our world.

We improve life and relationships by creating inspiring environments.

Utah Stories: Western Timber Frame

Trees give us oxygen. Install A DIY Timber Frame Pergola Over A Fireplace or Fire Pit To the Celtics a The Hearth Is The Heart of the Home; British soldiers sang Keep the Home Fires Burning; Romans said, Look After the Hearth and idioms such as Home is Where the Hearth is expresses deeply felt emotions centered around fire as a symbol of the heart of the home. There is something about fire that intrigues us, creating a symbol of hospitality, a welcome atmosphere that invites us to feel safe and warm. In early Colonial America, first President, President George Washington would stand in front the hearth in the living room as dignitaries were introduced to him and afterwards form into a large circle to converse around the fireplace. Since the beginnings of America the fireplace has been a social place where the household read books, discussed news, played games, gathered for events and received guests.

Fire has been viewed as more than just a means of warmth and cooking food. Hebrews, Chinese and Christians view fire as being a symbol of divinity. The ancient Hebrew word for fire is “אש” pronounced as esh, which is the parent root of “איש” pronounced as iysh, meaning man. Fire and man in the ancient Hebrew perspective are related. Genesis tells of God forming man in the same fashion a fire was created.

Before lighters or matches were invented fire was ignited using tinder and bow drill consisting of a bow, string, rod, handle and fire board. In a short synopsis, basically as friction is caused from moving the bow back and forth, the fire maker blows on the dust to create more heat and it ignites into flames.

In Genesis 2:7 it says, And the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living soul.

Pergola Kit with Fireplace & Seating Area.

Whether it is winter or on a chili summer evening the hearth enclosed blaze of a fire or glowing fire pit adds warmth and ambience to an outdoor room or backyard landscape.

The purpose of a pergola is not to block out the sun, but to give relief from the direct sunlight and allows the air to circulate freely. A pergola creates a perfect setting for an outdoor fireplace or fire pit.

A pergola covering the outdoor fireplace or fire pit in the backyard offers freedom from the normal routine and the delight of a camping atmosphere while enjoying the conveniences and cleanliness of home.

There are sizes for various entertainment needs discussed below of standard combinations or custom designs of Western Timber Frame DIY pergola kits and can be installed easily and quickly from your pergola plan in just a few short hours. A strong, durable timber frame pergola is aesthetically pleasing and will suit almost any outdoor setting. There are a few things to consider if you do not already have an existing fireplace or fire pit before deciding on the size of DIY pergola plan best suited to your needs. With a pergola or overhead enclosed porch you may not need as large a fireplace as a pergola will help to retain some of the heat.

Outdoor fireplaces today are not all fueled by traditional firewood as in times past; some run on natural gas or propane. A nice feature with this is the ability to turn a knob and shut it off when you are finished. The regulations vary with different areas. In some places burning firewood is prohibited due to emission concerns while gas fueled fireplaces are allowed. Homeowner associations can also have similar restrictions to visible fire impeding upon the sight line of another property. DIY outdoor fireplace kits are an option and can help in keeping within a budget. A fireplace or fire pit is a safety issue and should be installed according to local building and safety regulations and of course a fire should never be left unsupervised.

If you already have an existing fireplace or fire pit you are already well on your way to an even better outdoor living area. Pergola plans are offered in many different materials and designs. Timber frame is the strongest most durable material, giving the most human friendly comfort in temperatures of any pergola available.

All Western Timber Frame DIY Pergola plan and Kits are technically custom but do come in standard sizes. They are easy and fast to install but can be installed for you if you prefer. Here are some size choices for various entertainment needs.

Lounge Size: A standard size of 10’x10′ up to 12’x12′ is more conducive to smaller areas as a place to enjoy a romantic evening or share company with a friend. Family Size The 12’ x 14’ on up to a 14’ x 16’ is ideal for years of gatherings with family and friends for barbecues and outdoor entertainment. Entertainment Size A 16’ x 16’ + size is optimal for really large outdoor gatherings, outdoor kitchens, bars and multiple outdoor living accessories.

Designing with timber frame makes it easy to use smaller pergolas together implementing a variety of styles that can break up and enhance the landscape. Landscaping can also be done in phases, defining for future landscape amenities as well.