Benefits of Native Trees
Fall is an amazing season for planting trees․ The trees are surrounded by the orange‚ red and golden hues of the leaves and the air is so sharp and crisp you know it is time to go forward․ Fall is one of the best times to field-plant trees in the landscape․ When fall weather is cool‚ from September to November‚ the plants can form roots before frost and be ready to grow when the weather warms up once again in the spring․ Add new trees to your landscape! As the season changes‚ think about the trees you want around you and learn how to select trees that will grow well in your region and environment․ By learning about the benefits of native trees‚ the best ones to plant during fall‚ and how to care for them‚ we can make the best possible choices․
When you transplant trees to your yard‚ consider using trees that naturally grow in your area․ Native trees have evolved to live alongside the wildlife in your area and are resistant to local pests and diseases․ They also tend to need less care than non-natives‚ having naturally adapted to your soil and climate․ Native trees provide food and shelter for birds and wildlife‚ such as butterflies․ By using native plants extensively in our urban landscape‚ we can provide a much higher degree of biodiversity‚ ecological services‚ landscape robustness‚ soil quality and water retention․ In doing this‚ we can make our urban forests more beautiful while improving the way that plants native to the region serve their immediate environment․
Optimal Tree Varieties for Fall
As the fall approaches‚ there are several trees that make for great fall planting trees․ Trees such as oaks‚ maples and dogwoods are great yard trees․ Oaks are large trees with attractive foliage‚ and acorns are eaten by native wildlife․ Maples are not only known for their brilliant fall colors‚ they are also tolerant of a range of climate conditions‚ but the fast growth and beautiful foliage make them very popular for many homeowners․ Dogwoods can provide architectural features for the landscape‚ including their soft spring floral display‚ and their distinctive habit‚ with its layering of branches․ But the key is to select the right species and plant for the future of that tree‚ not just to plant a tree․
What we call a plantable tree can be planted for present usefulness and future advantage‚ for the benefits of trees outlive‚ in a collection of ways‚ their years․ As saplings grow they filter out air pollutants and absorb carbon dioxide‚ a key contributor to climate change․ Once mature‚ trees are used to shade buildings which helps to reduce energy costs for heating and cooling․ They create a visually appealing landscape‚ add value to property and create a family history․ People get married under them and take cover beneath their branches to talk or rest․ They are best planted in the fall‚ as at this time of year their roots are able to develop‚ allowing the tree to grow to maturity within one or two generations․
Tree-planting is wider than the community's immediate social needs because trees have a role in the ecological biosphere and help to prevent erosion‚ maintain soil fertility and balance and regulate water․ In addition‚ tree planting in urban areas of high population density‚ helps to manage storm water‚ reduce the heat island effect‚ and create micro-ecosystems․ In addition‚ trees are known to provide habitat for wildlife and to improve biodiversity in various environments‚ providing habitat for a variety of organisms that help form food webs․ With every tree we plant‚ we single-handedly contribute to Earth's ecological diversity‚ as one tree alone can support a number of unique species‚ from insects all the way to birds․
Environmental Impact of Tree Planting
After planting‚ your new trees will require special care for their early growth until their roots are strong enough to survive․ Fall planting will require care until winter in order to prevent freezing and to be successful․ In winter‚ wrap the base of the plant with mulch to protect its crown from frost and provide moisture until the ground freezes‚ or water it regularly if it is being established in early autumn․ You may use tree guards to deter hungry animals‚ and stake the guards in the ground to protect the trunk on windy days․ Watching them grow and caring for their needs is part of a deepening connection to the land and the changes brought on by the seasons․
When we plant trees in the fall‚ we're bringing nature into our lives and our communities․ By planting trees that are native to our area‚ we will help to maintain the balance of nature around us․ In time‚ these trees will grow tall and strong and will create beauty on earth for generations yet to come․ To ensure that trees will continue to grow to provide beauty on earth‚ a great emphasis should be made in the fall planting season with proper care and knowledge․ Let this season be a reminder that each of us has a role to play in healing our planet‚ one tree at a time‚ for generations to come․
