Although the ideal time to plant a tree is in the fall, it’s not too late to put one in the ground now, while we are still getting rain. There are many benefits to planting trees. A mature tree can absorb roughly 40 to 50 pounds of carbon dioxide per year, thereby protecting the climate. Trees can lower neighborhood temperatures by up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, saving money on air conditioning. Roots absorb rainwater, preventing flooding.
Native trees support birds, pollinators, and beneficial insects. If you plant a fruit tree, you’ve got access to free, fresh, delicious food right in your yard. Planting now is a legacy action, providing something future generations will enjoy. Studies show exposure to trees reduces stress. Tree-lined streets are linked to lower crime rates and higher property values.
There are lots of great reasons to plant trees!
How to plant a tree
It is important to understand how to properly plant a tree.
First, select the right tree for the space, preferably a native species. A nursery can guide your tree selection, given your space. Avoid planting a tree above a sewer lateral or too close to a foundation.
Before you dig a hole for your tree, call 811 to ensure you aren’t going to hit any utilities, at least two days in advance of your planting. Clear the area of weeds and sod. Then dig a hole about three times the width of the root ball, and no deeper than the root ball.
Gently remove the container. Loosen the roots a bit on the bottom two-thirds of the root ball with a hand rake. Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the trunk flare is about one inch higher than ground level.
Fill in around the hole with a compost and dirt mixture, making sure there are no air pockets. Use the compost and dirt mixture to create a ring around the tree—without touching the tree trunk—to create a watering well. Then cover with mulch, again ensuring no mulch rests against the tree trunk. Place two wooden stakes on either side of the tree and secure loosely with rubber ties.
Remove the stakes after one year. Then water your new tree!
If you are interested in planting trees in parks and schools with 100K Trees for Humanity, get more information by signing up for their newsletter online. The Rotary Club of Alameda also leads tree plantings in parks in conjunction with 100K Trees for Humanity and the Alameda Recreation and Parks Department. Check out their calendar for upcoming tree plantings.
To request a street tree in front of your property, complete a request on See Click Fix. Click New Request, then select Trees (Street Trees), and complete the online form. Once the tree is in place, you are responsible for watering it. The City of Alameda provides tree-trimming service for street trees.
Let’s work together to increase our tree canopy.
Joyce Mercado is the author of Save the Planet in Your Spare Time: A Climate Protection Handbook for the Busy Person, a member of Community Action for a Sustainable Alameda (CASA), and President of the Rotary Club of Alameda. Her columns are collected at alamedapost.com/Joyce-Mercado. She can be reached at [email protected].
