Speak for the Trees

 I feel really inspired to plant trees. Digging a hole and planting a tree that might be there in 100 years (1,000 years) feels like such a tangible solution to what ails us. I am currently reading this book:


It is so good. The man planting trees is attempting to clone the world's champion trees. Its amazing that no one was working on this task before this alcoholic had a near death experience.  The champion cloning story is interspersed with so much fascinating information on what we know and don't know about our trees. Why didn't I grow up to be a tree scientist? Sometimes I feel like everything that needs to be known is the world has already been discovered and then I find out scientists don't even know how trees die. One chapter that really grabbed me focuses on all the chemicals that are released by trees and how those chemicals affect us as we walk through a forest. Maybe that relaxing feeling you get in the woods is caused by crazy tree chemicals. I mean really?! Really. The book is taking my normal love of trees and cranking it up to 11. If it was the right time of year to plant trees in Texas- I think my last dollar would be gone into my imaginary orchard.

Pear

Satsuma Orange

Fig

We have planted at least 15 trees in our yard. Mostly fruit trees. If you are looking to put more trees on your space- consider trees that can give you food. There is a movement to plant perennials vegetables because it saves soil and time. Fruit and nut trees are the ultimate in perennial food stuffs. But there should also be a space in your land and your heart for slower growing trees that you may never get to truly enjoy.

Elm

We planted an Elm in our front yard. We live in an area named Olmos which means Elm Tree. Our tree is so small- but I hope many years from now when I am long gone, it will be a giant storing all the carbon dioxide, providing shade, calming spirits and releasing all sorts of crazy tree chemicals on future generations.

Mexican Plum

We also planted this Mexican Plum three years ago. It's starting to look like a real deal tree! To plant a tree and nurture it is really something to be proud of.

 If you are in San Antonio- you can get together with your neighbors and apply for a grant for free trees, mulch and watering bags for up to 25 trees! Our neighborhood did it last year. The grant application is due July 27, 2012. Each district is allotted 100 trees! We are trying to increase the tree canopy for the city. More trees means less pollution, lower temperatures in town, and less excessive water run off. Go get your free trees neighborhoods of San Antonio. Here is more information:Apply for free trees.

If you are not in San Antonio- maybe your city is looking to expand its tree canopy as well. You should check it out. I am also planning on joining The Arbor Day Foundation this fall- with your $10.00 membership fee you can get 10 free flowering trees! (or they will plant 10 trees in a national forest for you) That's really neat.

Sadly tree planting season is not until the winter for us Texans. But put a tree on your holiday wish list. I'll just be here scheming up more ways and places to plant trees until then.

"The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second best time is now. "