Plant Trees
Trees breathe CO2—and do so much more! Trees lower greenhouse gas emissions, cool your home and your neighborhood, and significantly improve local air quality. And of course they are beautiful!
Your Impact
Action Steps & Tips
Introduction
Trees have many other benefits as well! Planting the right tree in the right place can shade your home resulting in lower energy costs. Trees also help clean the air, removing pollutants and providing clean air for everyone to enjoy. Planting a tree and watching it grow can be a great, fun activity for the whole family.
Don’t have a yard or own your home? Don’t let that stop you! You can often plant local trees through community organizations! Have a yard with existing trees? It's important to preserve mature trees as well! Mature trees remove more greenhouse gases from the air than younger trees. So it's important to care for and protect the trees we have today.
If you are considering planting a tree, you can check with a local arborist, landscaper or conservation group for help with choosing and planting your new tree. Below are a few tips to get you started.
1Choose the right location
Finding a good location for your tree is important to both the health of the tree and to maximize its benefits. First, choose a place where it will have plenty of room to grow. Placing a tree near your house can create shade and can significantly reduce your AC use and energy bills. The best location for shade is to the south of large windows.
Be sure to avoid hazards, both overhead and below ground. Identify sewer lines that could be damaged by root systems. Check for overhead utility lines and check with your utility company to account for any plans for additional infrastructure. Examine the conditions at the site you’ve selected and note the soil type, water availability, and light exposure. This information is critical to your next step—selecting the right species of tree.
2Choose the right type of tree
What size to choose? Larger, faster-growing trees sequester the most carbon, but they can also pose maintenance challenges. Many trees can be pruned or managed as they grow to avoid obstacles. Others, such as many palms, do not adapt well to pruning. If your planting location has overhead power lines, viewsheds, or easements, choose a smaller, more manageable species.
Strategic shade. Trees can provide shade that can make your house much more comfortable in the summertime. The trick is finding the right tree for the best amount of shade for your area. The shade provided by different species of trees varies considerably. If you have warm summers and cold winters, you want a tree that will shade in the summer, but not in the winter. Deciduous trees are perfect, as they shed their leaves in the winter, allowing sunlight in. In warmer climates where year-round shade is desirable, non-deciduous species may be the best choice.
Match your climate. Next, make sure the tree is compatible with your climate and will have the water and sunlight it needs to thrive. This is particularly important in areas experiencing drought. Trees with low watering requirements are a good choice where water is scarce. Also, learn about the tree's root system and other possible hazards. Some trees have large and strong roots systems which are better away from buildings and should be avoided in dense neighborhoods. Many trees also shed sap, seeds, and fruit that can create hazards or require significant cleanup.
Pick one you will enjoy! There are many beautiful and interesting species. Consider the color of foliage and flowers. Or choose a tree that smells good or produces edible fruit or nuts, if you prefer. Trees can also bring your yard to life by providing shelter and food for many critters, attracting birds, bees, butterflies, and squirrels to your yard.
3Plant your tree and enjoy!
Here are a few tips for planting and caring for your new tree.
Plant your tree carefully. After selecting a site, be sure to contact your local utility or your city or county at least 48 hours before you plan to dig. They can provide information on the location of underground cables or wires on your property.
Plant properly and water right. It is critical to the long-term health of your tree to plant it correctly, provide adequate water, and fertilize appropriately, particularly in the first year after planting. However, don’t over water! Consult with a local arborist or nursery for tips on getting your tree off to a good start.
Consider community tree planting. Don’t forget your urban forest! Many cities have programs to encourage more street trees and to promote healthy neighborhood forests. Property owners can often request a tree at no cost, and community volunteers will help with planting. While residents are generally responsible for taking care of a new sapling, they will also reap the benefits of shade, beauty, and enhanced property values. Maintaining a street tree often requires little more than supplemental watering for a limited time as it establishes a root system.
Breathe deeply and enjoy! Take a deep breath and enjoy all the benefits of your new tree! Not only will your new tree breathe in carbon dioxide as it grows, but it also improves air quality by removing a wide variety of pollutants, including harmful particulate matter. Trees also have a measurable cooling effect on entire neighborhoods. Enjoy your new tree!