Tree Planting 101

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago…The second best time is now”.

This is likely one of our favorite quotes to date. Unfortunately, the origins remain unknown, but the concept can be attributed to ancient Chinese proverbs. Many variations of this statement are quoted throughout history, but the message remains the same: it is never too late to start positive change. 

There are numerous initiatives around the world promoting the planting of trees to “cure the earth”. These initiatives include Veritree (Tree Planting and Climate Solutions for Businesses with veritree), One Tree Planted (One Tree Planted | Tree Planting Nonprofit), Canadian Trees for Life (Canadian Trees for Life), and the 2 Billion Tree Program (2 Billion Trees Program - Natural Resources Canada). Some of these programs provide resources and supplementation for companies looking to build their climate change contributions, while others are initiating boots-on-the-ground action by expanding forests and urban green-spaces.

While these initiatives are spectacular to see in a big picture kind of way, they are not going to solve climate change overnight. Increased tree cover has shown to mitigate climate change through sequestering of carbon, but on such a large scale, the results are hard to see for a regular individual like you and me. On a smaller scale, planting trees has shown to drive biodiversification and contribute to a better overall wellbeing. More and more people are taking matters into their own hands and planting on personal property to experience the benefits trees have to offer.

Why plant a tree:

Air quality

Trees are natural air purifiers. Photosynthesis is a natural chemical reaction- green leaves convert carbon dioxide into sugar for the tree and releases clean oxygen. This is the process that allows trees to "sequester" carbon and mitigate climate change. In addition, air pollutants such as sulfur dioxides, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and ozone are all absorbed by the leaf and stored in the tree's tissues, acting as a filter. Healthy old growth forests can be considered a beneficial “carbon sink” (having a neutral net carbon footprint), but what about on a smaller scale? Green spaces in urban settings have shown to reduce air pollutants by 25%. 

Temperature regulation 

Urban areas with significant tree

canopies can be 10-20°C cooler than those with minimal tree cover. Through shading heat-absorbing surfaces, trees are able to regulate temperatures and decrease the energy demand for cooling. Strategically placed trees have been documented to result in 30% energy savings on air conditioning/cooling costs. Additionally, evapotranspiration is essentially how trees sweat. In excessive heat, water vapor is released from leaves cooling the air immediately surrounding the tree. So next time you are relaxing under a tree on a hot day, thank the tree sweat for cooling you off!

Biodiversity 

It is not hard to see that trees encourage life of all sizes and kinds. Many animals depend on trees for their habitat, food, protection, etc. One tree can support an entire ecosystem from beneficial bacteria and insects to birds and mammals. Without trees, wildlife is left distressed and exposed, increasing unwanted human-wildlife interactions. Providing trees for these species to thrive improves the diversity of the area as well as the safety and wellbeing of the wildlife. 

Water and land conservation 

Trees support a sustainable water table. Trees naturally hold water in their roots and trunks, up to hundreds of gallons per tree. In doing so, the trees act as a major player in the water cycle, shifting equilibrium to give and take water as the atmosphere requires it. During transpiration, water vapor is released from the leaves, contributing to precipitation and cloud formation. After deforestation, all water vapor in the atmosphere in that area disappears. These areas experience significantly less precipitation and increased drought as a direct result of the loss of trees. 

During groundwater reservoir recharging, tree roots create permeable soil, allowing rainwater to percolate into the soil rather than becoming runoff. This also aids in preventing flash floods by slowing the flow of water during storms or heavy rainfall. Additionally, reduced water flow and runoff preserves the natural contour of the land. Tree roots act as anchors, stabilizing the soil and reducing erosion, whether it's natural or human-induced. Native tree and vegetation growth can reduce soil loss and runoff by over 50%.

Health and Wellbeing

Trees have both mental and physical impacts on our health. Being around trees has been linked to an decrease in cortisol levels within the brain, initiating sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system responses. Cortisol is the stress chemical, initiating our flight-or-fight response. Reduced cortisol levels have been directly related to lower blood pressure and heart rates, as well as reduced chronic stress. The ancient Chinese practice of “Forest Bathing” utilizes the therapeutic benefits of trees. By spending time amongst green trees, symptoms of anxiety and depression are reduced, and individuals experience better concentration, increased creativity and mood improvement. A study from Harvard suggests that children have significantly reduced hyperactivity and behavioral issues when they can be in close proximity to trees or simply see trees from their classroom. A study out of Finland showed that those who have daily visits to forests have a healthier microbiome and improved immune system markers. Being among trees causes a natural spike in Natural Killer cells which aid in the body's defense against viruses as well as contribute to long-term immune strength. 

Noise and Privacy Barriers

Trees planted in the right place can act as a beautiful, natural barrier between you and your neighbors. From a visual perspective, “out of sight, out of mind” is a concept that makes most people feel safer about their property. Similarly, a sense of privacy can improve one's enjoyment of the property 10-fold. Trees can also naturally dampen noise by absorbing sound waves within their canopies. A dense region of trees can reduce noise by 10 decibels, equivalent to reducing the noise by almost half. 

Property Value

A home with mature trees will sell for up to 20% more than a property with no trees. Trees enhance the curb appeal and create a positive first impression of the property. Tree lined streets are the epitome of safe, desirable communities, thanks to all the above listed benefits. 

On both large and small scales, the planting procedure is critical to the success of the new tree. Planting trees that will inevitably be unsuccessful should be a crime (in our eyes at least). A tree must be in the right place at the right time to be successful, no matter the scale of the project. Before a tree is planted, there are a lot of things to consider to ensure it will be successful.

Things to consider before planting a tree:

Species 

Each species of tree has its own growing needs. From soil composition, moisture levels, hardiness, sun exposure and nutrient needs, each tree species will have their own limiting factors or sensitivities. It is very important to understand these individual needs before planting. A simple example of this would be trying to plant a Palm Tree here in Haliburton. As much as I would love to have a personal Palm Tree, the species is just not meant to grow here. 

Site Topography

Topography describes the layout or orientation of the land. Hilly, mountainous, flat land, etc. Different topographies will have different soil compositions, different topsoil volumes, and different groundwater levels, making each area unique. It is absolutely critical to understand the topography of an area before you plant. Every species has specific topographical needs, and some will just not grow in certain areas. Pine trees thrive in areas of rocky Canadian shield, where top soil is minimal and water sources are sporadic. If you tried to plant a Willow tree in this topography, it would not be successful because Willows' require damp, loamy soils with deep soil volumes for extensive root systems. 

Site Drainage

Drainage can be both natural and man-made. Natural drainage comes from the soil composition or texture. Different soil types have different properties, such as water retention and nutrient availability. Clay retains moisture well, but is thick and dense, making it drain poorly. Sand drains quickly, but has little nutrient retention. Most soils are a mixture of clay, sand and organic matter, but can include rock, gravel, silt, and peat, all of which slightly change the properties of the soil.

Man-made drainage is often needed for site construction, but will change the natural hydrology of the area. Adding in drainage can reduce water levels in one area and increase it in another. Again, while this may be necessary for human inhabitants, the vegetation will feel the effect. If you plant a new Birch Tree in one area thinking it is nice and moist, but disregard the new drainage system you installed after last year's very wet spring, that Birch Tree will likely die due to lack of moisture (ironically). Birch Trees are one of the most sensitive species to groundwater/hydrology changes. 

Tree selection

Tree selection refers to the actual tree you choose from the nursery. The shape, size, height, maturity and branching pattern are all factors that should be considered when choosing a tree to plant. Deformities and nursery-diseases are also something to watch out for during selection. Sometimes a tree is doomed from the start. An injury at the nursery or a poor branching pattern can manifest into a large structural deformity later on. 

Nearby infrastructures 

Nearby infrastructures include both overhead interferences as well as underground infrastructures. Knowing where underground infrastructures are is critical to avoiding septic beds, wells, plumbing, electrical etc. Not only can the planting process cause damage during digging, but roots can grow into these infrastructures if planted too close. Overhead interferences are also critical to identify, but sometimes requires you to imagine what the tree will look like in 10-20 years. Will the canopy grow into hydro lines and become a fire hazard? Will limbs grow into my eavestroughs, leading to messy work and structural damage? 

Competition

Competition refers to the surrounding vegetation that will be sharing nutrients, water and space with your planted tree. There are many species that will co-exist in an area and create minimal competition for resources. Others are resource hogs. It is common these days to find an area overwhelmed by a non-native species that is preventing native species from prospering (this is where invasive species come into play). If an area is highly populated by various vegetation, it is likely there is a high possibility for competition for nutrients. If there is a thick existing canopy and you plant a small, sun-loving sapling beneath, it is unlikely it will be successful since the sunlight is being blocked by the existing canopy. It is very useful to be able to identify how the resources are being distributed and what other plants or trees are present in order to determine how your new tree will fare against the competition. 

Hardiness zone

The hardiness zone is a scale used by gardeners and arborists alike. Trees and vegetation in any given area change depending on the temperatures and length of the growing season. Areas with longer growing seasons and warmer temperatures are likely to support a wide variety of species. Contrarily, areas with long, cold winters and harsh temperatures require a plant or tree to be much hardier to survive. This is why the Niagara Falls region can grow numerous fruits, but more northern regions within the same province (like Haliburton County) can just barely support an apple tree.

Land uses

How an area will be used before and after planting a new tree will impact how successful the tree is. Obviously, if the area had significant contamination of any kind, soil compositions and stability would be questionable for growth. Sometimes soil remediation will be required before the tree is planted to prevent chemical or physical shock to the roots. Areas of high traffic, either foot or vehicular, can cause soil compaction which will limit growth and success of the tree regardless of the species you choose. This often becomes a problem around driveways or outdoor living spaces. So considering what you will do with the space around your tree is just as important as what tree to plant! 

So, whether it is on a large scale or a small scale, planting a tree is always a good decision. But the responsibility to ensure the tree succeeds is that of the planter, not just Mother Nature. Do not just plant a tree to plant a tree. Do your research so you understand your land, your tree and how to care for it. Whatever your goal is, plant with a purpose! 

Easy examples of observations to make when assessing your land:

Standing water= wet soil

Thick vegetation= high competition

Lack of vegetation= low nutrients supply

Hard to dig= compact, dry soil

Current vegetation missing tops= potential browsing pests (i.e. deer or rabbits)

To aid in pre-planting site assessment and determining the best spot to plant on your land, use the link below to access a worksheet to properly assess the area you wish to plant in. By identifying the limiting factors in the area, you will add up your Planting Potential Score in our Tree Planting Success Assessment.

planting potential score sheet.pdf

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