Considering the amount of lumber that goes into the average home -- nearly 16,000 board feet and 6,000 square feet of structural panels for a typical 2,000-square-foot home -- it's little wonder that arborists are concerned about a shortfall of trees.

Trees not only have great beauty; they're also are a natural resource with practical applications. They supply oxygen to the air, acting as nature's air filter, and they help control heating and cooling costs for the homes they protect.

To encourage builders to preserve these natural assets, The National Arbor Day Foundation has introduced a new program designed to recognize builders and developers who save trees during construction and land development. The Arbor Day Foundation has designed a program called "Building With Trees" in cooperation with the National Association of Home Builders.

"Where trees exist on land that is to be developed, it makes good sense both economically and environmentally to preserve these assets wherever possible," says John Rosenow, president of The National Arbor Day Foundation. "Trees bring beauty to a building's environment, as well as heating and air conditioning savings, reduced development costs, and greater employee or home owner satisfaction. Those who design and build with respect for trees deserve our praise and commendation."

"Builders and developers are committed to the environment," says Donald M. Martin, president of the National Association of Home Builders and a builder from Albuquerque, N.M. "We show that commitment by protecting trees before and during the construction process and planting trees on sites that have few trees. We're proud to be a part of this new program."

The Building With Trees program provides two opportunities for recognition: one following the planning and design of a project, and another following construction. Applicants may register their commitment to building with trees by meeting certain criteria, including having a tree expert on the development team, conducting a tree survey prior to planning and design, and developing a tree conservation plan. The builder and tree expert must also pledge to follow tree preservation guidelines during the construction and maintenance stages of the project.

In return for registering a pledge in the Building With Trees program, builders and developers receive a plaque, marketing materials, and educational information to help them showcase their commitment to trees to home buyers, the public, and community officials.

When construction is completed, projects may be submitted to the annual Building With Trees Awards of Excellence competition. The competition will be judged by a jury of development industry and urban forestry professionals, with winners announced at the National Association of Home Builders convention in January and awards presented at the national Building With Trees Conference in March.

To receive a free booklet on the Building With Trees Recognition Program, send snail mail to The National Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City, NE 68410; or call (402) 474-5655.