Happy Arbor Day! Trees are under attack by the current Administration. So it’s more important than ever to fight to protect trees and forests right in your community. We encourage you not only to plant trees but to also ensure their growth to get the environmental services they provide. 

Research which species are native to where you live because they will do well given local site conditions. You can enter your zip code here: www.audubon.org/native-plants.

Plant in areas where trees have grown historically and consider whether future climatic conditions are likely to support trees. And make a commitment to water trees. For example, the tree planting companies the city of Norwalk, Conn., uses are required to fill up the Treegator slow-release watering bag attached to newly planted trees every week for two years!

Besides providing oxygen and providing homes for wildlife, these are some other benefits of trees:

One acre of forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide and puts out four tons of oxygen a year. This is enough to meet the annual needs of 18 people. 

When trees mature, wildlife can enjoy delicious fruits and foraging opportunities.

Fallen leaves are decomposed by insects, fungi and bacteria, returning vital nutrients to the soil. 

Standing dead trees called snags are used by birds, small mammals and other wildlife for nests, nurseries, storage, foraging, roosting and perching.

Roots create tiny air spaces in the soil, allowing more water to soak into the ground, thereby reducing runoff pollution and flooding.