Fall is for Tree Planting (Why We Need More Trees)

It is autumn, which in most parts of the country is an optimal time to plant trees. As mundane as it may seem compared to solar panels and hybrid cars, the reason why we should plant more trees is because it is one of the most powerful ways to make a personal difference for the environment. And it’s a fun and educational activity to do with kids, too.
Why We Should Plant More Trees
As we learned in third grade biology, trees are essential to life. They create the very air we breathe and filter air pollution. What you may not know is that trees also build soil and help soak up stormwater before it can create a flood, and they offer energy-saving shade that reduces global warming and creates habitat for thousands of different species. Trees also help to reduce ozone levels in urban areas.
Most importantly, trees sequester carbon, helping to remove carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from the air, which cools the earth. In fact, a mature, canopy tree absorbs enough carbon and releases enough oxygen to sustain two human beings!
The carbon storage capacity of forests is approximately three times as large as the pool of carbon in the atmosphere. If forests are changed, reduced, or eliminated, the captured carbon goes into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide (CO2).
Despite their importance to life as we know it, every year we cut down over 50,000 square miles of forest worldwide for paper, agriculture, building materials and fuel. That’s an area the size of the state of Alabama! Every year! The carbon release from deforestation accounts for 25 to 30 percent of the four to five billion tons of carbon accumulating every year in the atmosphere from human activities.
Much of this wouldn’t be necessary if we reduced, reused and recycled more, cultivated hemp for fiber, and used sustainable and recycled materials in all our buildings. But until this changes, we need to put the trees back any way we can, as fast as we can!
There are many local, national and international organizations that plant trees, and because planting trees costs relatively little, donating to these organizations can make a big difference.
You can also have trees planted specifically to offset your personal carbon emissions from airplane or car travel. These organizations can help you out:
American Forests Global ReLeaf
The International Tree FoundationRainforest Rescue – Restores rainforest species in Australia, Sri Lanka and Indonesia
Clear Sky Climate Solutions – Provides carbon offsets through reforestation projects
Terrapass – Provides carbon offsets for flying, driving, etc.
CarbonFund – Provides a variety of carbon offset projects to choose from.
Carbonify.com – Tree planting for offsetting carbon emissions
Also check with your local environmental or parks department for tree planting organizations and events in your community.
While supporting tree planting organizations is a great way to be eco-friendly, you can also make a difference in your community by planting trees on your own property.
A properly-planted, mature shade tree on the south or west side of your house can save you up to 25% on your summer air conditioning bills and increase your property value by up to 20% with its beauty. That same tree will also help soak up stormwater in the neighborhood, and contribute habitat for local wildlife. If you plant a fruit or nut tree, you get food as an added bonus!
You really can’t go wrong by planting trees!
How to Properly Plant a Tree
September through November is the ideal time for planting trees, shrubs and perennials because it allows the roots to become established before the ground freezes and winter sets in. Trees and shrubs planted in the fall are also better equipped to deal with heat, pests and drought the following season. Another great reason to plant your trees and shrubs in the fall is so you can select them by the fall colors they produce.
Cooler, wetter weather is the perfect time for tree planting, and seasonal rains can often provide all the water the tree needs to establish. However, if the weather is dry you should make sure your shade trees get about 15-20 gallons of water a week, until they go dormant for winter. Fruit trees and ornamental trees and shrubs can receive a little less. It is very easy to make sure your tree gets the water it needs automatically using a TreeGator device.
Avoid planting broad leaved evergreens like rhododendrons, azaleas, boxwoods and hollies in the fall, because they are not likely to survive winter cold and wind so soon after planting. However, virtually all other temperate shade trees, ornamental/fruit trees, and perennials are perfect for planting in the fall, before the soil gets too cold too dig.
The Arbor Day Foundation has a great video series on how to properly plant a tree. Click...
Here are a few key tips for proper tree planting that you may not know...
Small Footprint Family
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
Go
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
Comments
Join the conversation
 2 comments
Next