My husband and I recently bought our first home together, and while there are many trees on our property, we’re having fun planting new ones, as well.
We feel excited and blessed by the chance to plant trees on the land, in our own small way, helping to reduce the effects of climate change and providing habitat for animals, bees and other insects.
It may seem like a modest effort, but for every tree planted, as much as 48 pounds of carbon dioxide per year can be absorbed.
Long before I had the privilege of becoming a homeowner, I worked on projects to conserve land and plant trees, particularly in urban areas.
No matter where you live, you can plant a tree. It is so vital that we all take part in re-foresting our cities, towns, and countryside.
Housing and commercial development result in millions of trees being cut down. We can balance that out by planting trees in our yards, along our streets, and by re-foresting open space.
Do you have a spot of grass or land at your apartment, home, work, or public space that you can contribute a tree to?
I’m new to this. Where do I buy a tree?
Click here to look up local nurseries by the state you live in.
Can I order trees online to be delivered to me? Yes.
Arbor Day Foundation — you get 10 free trees if you sign up to become a member!
Nature Hills.com — America’s largest online plant nursery.
I don’t want to plant my own tree, but I want to help. Can I donate money to have trees planted/conserved? Yes.
Donate $1 to have 1 tree planted — the Tree Canopy Project.
American Reforestation — donate to help reforest America.
Rainforest Trust — donate to conserve precious rainforest land, which absorbs carbon dioxide at double the average rate (because tropical forests are green year-round).
I’ve never planted a tree. Can you give me some tips?
1. Place the Tree.
2. Dig a hole as deep as the pot, and 2–3 times as wide.
3. Backfill the Hole.
4. Stake the Tree.
5. Water the Tree –this is very important. Don’t forget –water it right away!
Why are trees good for the planet’s health?
For every 10,000 miles you drive, it takes 7 trees to remove the amount of carbon dioxide produced.
Are trees good for our mental health and physical health? Yes.
An average size tree creates sufficient oxygen in one year to provide oxygen for a family of four.
Trees help people feel calm and recover from stress faster.
Happy Planting!
One last thing…
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Originally published at medium.com