What’s the first thing you should do when you buy a new house? Plant a tree. Besides the fact that trees can provide shade, help keep your house cool in the summer and add beauty to your yard, they also increase the value of your home. A mature tree can add up to $10,000 in extra value to your home. And since a tree can take about 10 years to mature, doing it early makes it a good financial move and an ecological one, too. Plant a tree that’s appropriate for your growing region, and ask your local nursery for the “fast-growing” variety.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Here’s a Do Just One Thing tip worth repeating: Make sure your ceiling fan is circulating in the right direction. When it gets cooler outside, make sure the blades of the fan are running clockwise to help push the warm air down from the ceiling to you. When it’s hot outside, flip the switch so they run counter-clockwise to help push cool air down. If your ceiling fan is also an overhead light, be sure to replace the bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs. And as always, when you’re not in a room, turn the ceiling fan off to save energy.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Do you think your public library is only good for picking up a few novels or books to read? The library is more than just a bookstore. You can pick up things like free passes to museums, which many libraries have on a first-come, first-served basis. Want to see a constellation on a clear night? You can check out telescopes. Want to try an unusual cake recipe? Borrow cake pans and other baking supplies. Want to unplug and do a fun activity with the family? Most libraries have board games, puzzles and other games you can borrow. Some public libraries even have professional clothing like neckties, briefcases and purses to help people look their best for job interviews.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION