FALL IS A GOOD TIME TO PLANT TREES
According to an article in the news from the September/October 2022 Arbor Day newsletter, fall is a perfect time to plant trees because it gives them time to gain strength before the stresses of summer. Cooler temperatures and more rainfall help to establish a good root system before they go into dormant stages after several hard freezes. Take advantage of these beautiful fall days to add trees to you yard. Go to www.arborday.org to find information about what trees might be best for your yard, as well as planting and nurturing tips.
Why plant trees? There are many good reasons besides their beauty. We know that trees pull carbon out of the air and thus keep it from warming the earth. Statistics differ, but it is believed that just one tree takes up 22kg of carbon per year. A well cared for tree can live for more than 50 years—each year pulling out carbon. It is also giving off oxygen and purifying the air. Our one tree cools and shades our yard and home and may lower home energy costs too.
Trees planted in city parks and by-ways reduce “heat islands” that take a toll on human health during heat waves. Trees also can help protect areas from flooding by soaking up some of the storm water from heavy rains as well as preventing erosion. Did you know that at least 50% of our nation's drinking water finds its way through our forests? Forests also are home to many animals, pollinators, birds and fish—sustaining the web of life. Unfortunately, there have been huge swaths of forested areas burned in wildfires in our country and in other countries this year. There is an urgent need to help replant trees in forested areas. At the same time the rainforests of the world are intentionally being cleared and burned for ranching and grain farming. These rainforests have been critical in the fight against global warming through their ability to pull carbon from the air.
We can all do something to address this problem. If we have a yard, we can consider planting a tree. We can also donate to organizations that plant trees in forest areas or work with partners to save the rainforests of the world. One such organization is the Arbor Day Foundation. They also sponsor a program called, “Tree City USA'' that promotes city wide tree planting efforts.
Earth Steward Action: This week, decide to plant a tree or support a tree planting organization. Thank God for creating trees that provide so many benefits to us.
Sources: https://arborday,org , www.seriaClub.org
Book Recommendation: “The Hidden Life of Trees: The Illustrated Edition”, by Peter Wohllben. It is about how trees communicate with each other.