by Gary Allen

Created on: April 01, 2009

Trees are planted every day by humans and animals. Humans generally plant trees for a purpose, as was the case for villagers in Tamil Nabu state. 60,000 trees had been planted for the rain gods, in hopes of ending a drought. Instead of receiving rain, the villagers of Naluvedathy were saved from a crushing tsunami that was to kill thousands in other areas.

Birds plant trees when they hide their acorns in the ground. Birds and animals accidently carry seeds to the ground where they germinate, take root and continue to grow. Every tree that is planted accidently or purposely, has the opportunity to provide shelter and habitat for animals, or shade and beauty for humans.

Windbreaks
Trees planted as windbreaks or for shade can cut utility bills by as much as thirrty percent. Windbreaks planted on farms in the Great Plains states were found to increase crop yields. Windbreaks decrease heat and wind stress. Decreased topsoil loss is an added benefit of planting trees as windbreaks.

Medicine
The yew tree's branches grow downward into the ground in order to sprout new stems. Christians and druids alike have looked upon these phenomena as a symbol of death and rebirth. The symbolism is appropriate. Taxol, a substance taken from the bark of the Pacific yew, is used in the fight against breast cancer.

Shelter
Trees are a primary shelter for birds and insects. Birds such as the wrentit rely on a dwarf oak (chaparral) to build their nest and forage for food. Destruction of native woodland habitats has resulted in a decline of the wrentit population.

Pollution
Planting trees helps clean pollutants from the air. Tiny pores in the tree leaves allow carbon dioxide to enter and oxygen to escape.

Beauty
Depending on the climate zone you live in, it's possible to plant trees that reach twenty, forty or more feet in the air. Tree oaks in California, if grown in an open area, can have a canopy thirty feet wide. That much shade is wonderful for a picnic or letting the kids build tree forts.

Privacy
If you plant trees that have thick canopies with an abundance of branches and leaves, not only do you have something beautiful to look at, you reduce yours neighbors ability to look at you.

Meet your neighbors
Many communities have special tree planting events on Arbor day, April 24, 2009. There are many ways for community members to get involved in activities. Arbor day gives you an opportunity to meet people and a great reason to plant trees.

It's possible you have visions of an oak tree shading your family and friends. Your neighbor might want to plant a cherry tree for the entire neighborhood's enjoyment. Another, dreams of a tree filled with squirrels and birds. The farmer in Nebraska only has thoughts of bringing in a harvest that hasn't been beat to shreds by the wind. The reasons to plant trees are personal and varied. Once you find your's, round up some friends and go plant some trees.

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