Such important points here, especially the idea that although trees are great, they are not the best way to preserve the biosphere in every single location. We have to learn what belongs in a particular spot, what was there before, what supports the insects that support the birds, and stuff like that. Good article. Lovely photo of green green forest at the top.
Dig a $100 hole for a $10 tree. Four times the width of the root ball 1 inch shallower than the crown. Add correct soil amendments if possible. Always use a mulch print preferably wood. More than you think. Not against the crown whatsoever half an inch at the most for the first 18 inches around the trunk. at least 5 inches thick after compacted directly under the drip line. If you have the budget make it a foot past the drip line. If you can't afford mulch, don't bother with the tree. It's that important.
Rarely does a tree need steak. If it is so top-heavy say a 12 foot tall lions tail of leaves with a 1 inch caliper and a 5 gallon pot, do so with rubber protection around any wires two points of Anchorage is enough and remove it within 18 months of planting. Preferably exactly a year the season after planting. Once established it can survive extreme drought. But if possible to water during such times the growth rate will will become better than you ever dreamed in your lifetime.
I don't know who said it and I am remiss because it is the absolute truth. ...
"The best time to plant a tree was 40 years ago. The second best time is today !"
Trees should only be planted where they used to be pre-Anthropocene of the correct genius and species. It doesn't sound like hard to follow but, apparently it is in real world dynamics.
Thanks for raising some really important issues about planting trees in the right places and for mentioning my own post about tree planting. As you highlight woodland isn't the only habitat that's valuable for both carbon storage and wildlife but that often gets overlooked in the rush to put saplings in the ground. Here's hoping there is now more awareness of the value of other habitats.
Great piece, Juliet. Planting trees being good for the environment is simple, but nothing is ever so simple as we might hope! Like anything, when one wants to bring about positive change it requires research and time. Your examples, particularly peatlands, are perfect.
Consumerism is a negative though it is hard to do anything without spending money. Spending $100 or $200 on optics allows someone to avoid spending money later on items that aren’t as useful, and to spend their time engaging with the world. Return on investment. My camera was not cheap but I spend lots of time chasing birds with it instead of engaging in fruitless acts of consumerism. Like planting trees, being responsible takes some time and consideration. Thank you for writing.
There is a nice balance point I have found for myself to enjoy Nature and minimize the consumer items I need. You're right as well about after the initial outlay, we really do not need much more. I have my simple 5-year old $50 binoculars and my 3-year old Nikon P900 camera. That's about all the accessories I take on my Nature hikes these days. So many times, I have been tempted to upgrade to the flashier items, but I choose not to. Often, I have found that simply going for a walk in the local conservation area and enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells is enough.
Totally with you on the pressure to write routinely, despite having nothing to say! It was one of the reasons I re-wrote my Black Friday piece for last week!
Thanks for highlighting the issues with tree planting. People seem to think ‘just planting trees’ is the be all and end all. As you say, looking after saplings can be critical especially in urban environments. The plastic wraps are a huge issue.
I'm sorry. Trees are never going to contribute in climate change mitigation in any statistically significant way. It would take the equivalent of 20 billion trees to sequester the amount of emissions that the United States is guilty of on an annual basis.
From that single correct statistic, you can see the impossibility of your narrative.
That said, the two absolute prerequisites to having a livable planet the end of fossil fuel extraction and use, combined with the direct atmospheric sequestration of carbon would be pointless without restoration of bio regional Eco habitat to re-populate the earth with its native species. Habitat is everything. On personal level I have planted 320 acres in the middle of the United States in a specific northern bobwhite quail habitat. Having seen three in the last three years prior to the establishment of the planting there are over 200 birds in at least 15 coveys on that property today. Without a single quail being introduced on my part. Plant it, they will come!
Please stop with the narrative concerning Eco habitat restoration and climate change mitigation. It is faults and misleading on every level.
There are so many new housing estates around here surrounded by dead trees. Once planted, no one waters them so inevitably they just die, it's unfuriating and such a terrible waste. A great post, Juliet.
Such important points here, especially the idea that although trees are great, they are not the best way to preserve the biosphere in every single location. We have to learn what belongs in a particular spot, what was there before, what supports the insects that support the birds, and stuff like that. Good article. Lovely photo of green green forest at the top.
Thanks Diane, yes, it’s important to understand what would be the native local vegetation.
Planting a tree.
Dig a $100 hole for a $10 tree. Four times the width of the root ball 1 inch shallower than the crown. Add correct soil amendments if possible. Always use a mulch print preferably wood. More than you think. Not against the crown whatsoever half an inch at the most for the first 18 inches around the trunk. at least 5 inches thick after compacted directly under the drip line. If you have the budget make it a foot past the drip line. If you can't afford mulch, don't bother with the tree. It's that important.
Rarely does a tree need steak. If it is so top-heavy say a 12 foot tall lions tail of leaves with a 1 inch caliper and a 5 gallon pot, do so with rubber protection around any wires two points of Anchorage is enough and remove it within 18 months of planting. Preferably exactly a year the season after planting. Once established it can survive extreme drought. But if possible to water during such times the growth rate will will become better than you ever dreamed in your lifetime.
I don't know who said it and I am remiss because it is the absolute truth. ...
"The best time to plant a tree was 40 years ago. The second best time is today !"
Good advice, thanks
No doubt you know this. I just said that for perpetuities sake.
Trees should only be planted where they used to be pre-Anthropocene of the correct genius and species. It doesn't sound like hard to follow but, apparently it is in real world dynamics.
Yes, the right trees in the right place.
Otherwise, it's a weed....😉🫵💪🌹
Thanks for raising some really important issues about planting trees in the right places and for mentioning my own post about tree planting. As you highlight woodland isn't the only habitat that's valuable for both carbon storage and wildlife but that often gets overlooked in the rush to put saplings in the ground. Here's hoping there is now more awareness of the value of other habitats.
Such an important post! Thank you for sharing this Juliet
You're welcome Amaranta, thanks for reading
Great piece, Juliet. Planting trees being good for the environment is simple, but nothing is ever so simple as we might hope! Like anything, when one wants to bring about positive change it requires research and time. Your examples, particularly peatlands, are perfect.
Consumerism is a negative though it is hard to do anything without spending money. Spending $100 or $200 on optics allows someone to avoid spending money later on items that aren’t as useful, and to spend their time engaging with the world. Return on investment. My camera was not cheap but I spend lots of time chasing birds with it instead of engaging in fruitless acts of consumerism. Like planting trees, being responsible takes some time and consideration. Thank you for writing.
Thanks for reading, James! It is all about being thoughtful and thinking things through, as you say.
There is a nice balance point I have found for myself to enjoy Nature and minimize the consumer items I need. You're right as well about after the initial outlay, we really do not need much more. I have my simple 5-year old $50 binoculars and my 3-year old Nikon P900 camera. That's about all the accessories I take on my Nature hikes these days. So many times, I have been tempted to upgrade to the flashier items, but I choose not to. Often, I have found that simply going for a walk in the local conservation area and enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells is enough.
Thanks Neil! My binoculars are over 50 years old and are in great condition!
Thanks for the shout out, Juliet. Most kind.
Totally with you on the pressure to write routinely, despite having nothing to say! It was one of the reasons I re-wrote my Black Friday piece for last week!
Thanks for highlighting the issues with tree planting. People seem to think ‘just planting trees’ is the be all and end all. As you say, looking after saplings can be critical especially in urban environments. The plastic wraps are a huge issue.
You're welcome!
I'm sorry. Trees are never going to contribute in climate change mitigation in any statistically significant way. It would take the equivalent of 20 billion trees to sequester the amount of emissions that the United States is guilty of on an annual basis.
From that single correct statistic, you can see the impossibility of your narrative.
That said, the two absolute prerequisites to having a livable planet the end of fossil fuel extraction and use, combined with the direct atmospheric sequestration of carbon would be pointless without restoration of bio regional Eco habitat to re-populate the earth with its native species. Habitat is everything. On personal level I have planted 320 acres in the middle of the United States in a specific northern bobwhite quail habitat. Having seen three in the last three years prior to the establishment of the planting there are over 200 birds in at least 15 coveys on that property today. Without a single quail being introduced on my part. Plant it, they will come!
Please stop with the narrative concerning Eco habitat restoration and climate change mitigation. It is faults and misleading on every level.
Never stop with the Eco habitat restoration! 🫵💪
There are so many new housing estates around here surrounded by dead trees. Once planted, no one waters them so inevitably they just die, it's unfuriating and such a terrible waste. A great post, Juliet.