Trees give a lot back to the planet. We have six good reasons for you to plant a tree.
In all our zeal to prepare for our Open House and Plant Sale last week, we missed a special event on Friday, April 25: Arbor Day.
It’s ironic that during our busy week of planning and preparing for our semi-annual Open House, we lost track of a day set aside to honor such living treasures.
After scolding myself for “not seeing the forest for the trees,” I spent a few minutes reading about Arbor Day and what it is really all about. First celebrated in Spain in 1805, Arbor Day is most often celebrated by the planting of trees, always a good idea. The day honoring trees has grown over the years and is now celebrated worldwide.
Trees were an important part of growing up for me and my family. I spent many a happy afternoon on trees with my neighborhood buddies as we climbed their trunks, built forts in their branches and swung from their limbs. My dad constantly quizzed me on tree names. There was a three-story tree fort near my grandmother’s home that was frightening, intriguing and fun all at the same time.
While trees are a big part of having fun, I grew to appreciate them for what they give to the planet unconditionally. Here are my Top Six.
Saving the earth is as easy as planting a tree.
Six Reasons to Plant a Tree:
1) Trees Combat the Greenhouse Effect: By absorbing CO2, trees remove and store the carbon while releasing the oxygen back into the air. Like a turbo charged hepa filter air vacuum for the planet.
2) Trees cool the streets and the city: Trees cool cities by up to 10 degrees F. By providing shade, trees break up urban “heat islands” and release water vapor through their leaves.
3) Trees clean the air: Trees absorb odors and pollutant gases and filter particulates from the air by trapping them on their leaves and bark.
4) Trees save water: Shade from trees slows water evaporation from dry, thirsty lawns. San Diego can use every drop of water we can conserve.
5) Trees conserve energy: Three trees placed strategically around a single-family home can cut summer cooling costs by up to 50%. No electrical outlet needed.
How about a tree fort in this Giant Sequoia? Awesome! Photo: James Hickey.
6) You can’t have a tree fort without a tree!
It doesn’t cost much to plant a tree. Make it a family event so you can watch your seedling grow over the coming years.
The next time you take a deep breath and exhale, thank a tree and plant a few more along your way.
**Good Earth Plants and GreenScaped Buildings is hiring! Please visit our website at www.goodearthplants.com for more information and to apply**
