The important role trees play in our lives was recognized as early as April 10, 1872. On that day, ecophilanthropist J. Sterling Morton founded Arbor Day as a means of promoting conservation and correcting the gradual deforestation of the prairie. In his words, what sets Arbor Day apart from other holidays is that while other special days commemorate the past, Arbor Day celebrates the future.
Due to the climatic and geographic diversity of Ontario, Arbor Day has been stretched into Arbor week so all areas of the province can benefit. Arbor Week is celebrated each year in Ontario starting on the last Friday in April and ending on Mother's Day - it's a 10 day week!
There are a number of ways you can participate in Arbor Week. The simplest way is by planting a tree in your own yard. Make it a family event. If you have children it's a great way to enhance their awareness of nature. You can also organize a neighbourhood planting, or speak with your employer, service club, religious group, etc. to inform them of Arbor Week and the benefits trees provide to the community.
WHY ARE TREES SO IMPORTANT TO US?
As a by-product of producing their own food, trees release fresh oxygen to the atmosphere while absorbing carbon dioxide. Some scientists contend that the over-abundance of carbon dioxide in the earth's atmosphere contribute to the "greenhouse effect" heating up our biosphere.
Trees' falling leaves and needles decompose into rich nutrients for the soil. Their roots help anchor soil and prevent valuable topsoil from being blown or washed away.
The careful placement of trees can have a positive effect on energy bills. Evergreens can protect and insulate your home from winter winds, while deciduous trees cast cooling shade on your roof and outside walls during the summer and lessen the need for air conditioning. Trees also function as natural sound barriers -- they absorb and deflect noise which lessens the intensity of sound.
CLEAN AIR MACHINES
Several years ago, ground-breaking research by NASA (North American Space Administration) proved green plants to be highly efficient at filtering harmful pollutants out of the air we breathe. While in leaf, trees remove toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene and trichlorethylene from the atmosphere.
On the lighter side, planting trees on your property can increase the property's value, provide children with a place to play, swing and climb, and give birds and small animals shelter.
By planting even a single tree you can make a difference. Some suggestions are listed below, but visit your local garden centre for a first-hand look at the many varieties available.
Bloodgood Japanese maple: a small tree than won't grow more than 4m. tall. The leaves are bright red in spring and darken to deep red/black in summer. The fall colour of the foliage is a spectacular fiery red.
Globe Norway maple adds a distinctive shape to the garden with its naturally globe-shaped crown. The leaves are large, deep green and cast a dense shade below.
Serviceberry is a native tree available as a multi-stemmed or single-stemmed specimen. It flowers in early spring with white blooms which turn to red/black berries that make great pies and jam if you can beat the birds to them. Fall colour is a beautiful golden yellow.
Pyramidal beech is a narrow-upright grower. Other trees with a narrow growth habit include pyramidal oak, pyramidal hawthorn and columnar maple. These trees add an interesting shape and height to a garden with a restricted amount of space.
Mountain ash: the brightly colour berries of the mountain ash in summer can be a real show-stopper. There are several different varieties with orange to red fruit and delicately textured leaves. These are great problem-free small trees for the home.
Ivory Silk tree lilac was developed in Ontario. This is a small ornamental tree with large creamy white flower clusters in late June. The tree lilac has an attractive naturally oval-shape.
