~To plant a tree, is to believe in tomorrow~

Here we are coming out of a pandemic, and maybe we feel a little disoriented, sad, and what about hopeful? Spring is upon us and the perfect time to plant a tree. But honestly, any time is the perfect time! Planting a tree marks a start- it's grounding. Planting a tree is rewarding & can't help but uplift the spirits. Planting a tree is for present satisfaction and a gift for the future. It's a remarkable endeavor that everyone should somehow accomplish at least one time in their lives. 

I love going back to sites where I planted trees years ago and noticing their maturity. There's just something special about that. Not that I birthed them, but I did plant them into their forever home. It feels deeply good to revisit trees that you've planted! 

No matter what constitutes your garden, trees are a fundamental foundation of it. They offer structure, focal points, shade, protection, interest, and of course, oxygen for humans. 

I often have clients request to plant the largest size possible when they want a tree and that's ok. What it reveals is that we want something as large as possible and as quickly as possible. This is understandable too. And yet relative to most plants in the garden, a tree's growth is slow. This points to a few things. One, if you're thinking of planting a tree, the time to do it is now. Secondly, although it might feel like it will take forever for it to grow to full maturity, that's not necessarily true. As a lot of us now, time moves quickly and you'll be surprised by noticing this with regard to  your tree's growth. 

Colorado Springs most recent extreme wind storm took hundreds of trees from us. Primarily blue spruces. This equates to habitat being lost for wildlife, aesthetic values of homes and neighborhoods negatively affected, biodiversity of the garden at large being affected. It is important that the number trees lost is quickly restored so as to not create a gap in progression and maturity of the Colorado Springs urban forest.

What Kind to Plant? So what can you do? Don't be intimidated by the endeavor of planting a tree. Your local nursery or tree farm will be able to guide you with wise selections of the best tree for your garden. You'll want to especially consider its mature size with regard to your home's location and size of yard. Find the right tree for the right spot. Colorado Tree Coalition and the city provide lists of trees with regard to sizes, sunlight available at the site, would you like the tree for privacy- think evergreen. Perhaps you'd like to harvest cherries and help the robins- cherry tree. Or you'd love a gorgeous specimen from which to gaze at from your window- maybe an autumn brilliance serviceberry. 

How to plant it? This can feel daunting. A tree is perhaps the biggest investment you'll make in your landscape. It's going to be there for a very long time- and yes possibly beyond your lifetime. It might outlive you! You might move. Choose wisely! You are gifting the future.  

Deciding to plant a tree might feel daunting- what kind to pick? from where? what size? Deciduous or evergreen? How long will I have to wait to see it get big? How do I plant it? Do not let this deter you from a very rewarding experience and endeavor. You are planting for the present and the future. This is a big deal- take the necessary steps to do it right not only for you, but for the future - think beyond you. 

Tree planting is available to each and all of us. I can tell you it almost always takes two to plant a tree. That's cool in itself. Secondly, if you don't have a garden, there are many opportunities to plant as a volunteer. Arbor Day offers this possibility and happens in the spring. Check out www.arborday.com