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Planting Trees and Sustainabilty

Plant a Tree to help global reforestation efforts

I dare to say that all of us have heard the word “sustainability,” making one think that its definition is quite simple. But to the contrary, the definition of the word “sustainability” is quite complex, not only due to the fact that not everyone can agree on its definition, but due to the fact that it encompasses a wide range of ideals.

In 1987, the United Nations defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” The United States Environmental Protection Agency states that sustainability is based on a simple principle: Everything that we need for our survival and well-being depends, either directly or indirectly, on our natural environment. To pursue sustainability is to create and maintain the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony to support present and future generations. The Cambridge dictionary defines sustainability as the quality of being able to continue over a long period of time. As you can see, while there is a common thread among the definitions, there certainly is a degree of variation.

3 Pillars of Sustainability

Overall, sustainability aims to create a harmonious balance between environmental health, economic viability, and social equity as it encompasses three main pillars:

Environmental Sustainability: Protecting and conserving natural resources and ecosystems, reducing pollution, and mitigating climate change to ensure a healthy planet for future generations.

Economic Sustainability: Promoting economic growth and development that provides jobs and prosperity without depleting resources or causing ecological damage. It involves creating a balanced approach that supports long-term economic health.

Social Sustainability: Ensuring social equity, access to resources, and opportunities for all individuals, fostering community well-being, and respecting cultural diversity. This includes addressing issues like poverty, inequality, and human rights.

While economic and social sustainability are great goals, I will let other experts tackle those areas. I will focus on environmental sustainability as that is what we attempt to help by planting trees at The Gifted Tree. Let us delve into why the planting of trees is a sustainable endeavor. Planting trees can help sustainability in many ways, including:

Plant Trees to Help Global Sustainability

Environmental Sustainability

Climate change
Trees remove carbon dioxide from the air, store carbon in the soil and trees, and release oxygen through photosynthesis. A single mature tree can absorb around 21 kilograms of carbon dioxide per year. Reforestation projects can sequester millions of tons of carbon annually.

Air quality
Trees act as natural filters, absorbing harmful pollutants like nitrogen oxides, ozone, and carbon monoxide, and trapping dust and smoke in their leaves and bark. They also absorb odors and other gases like ammonia, sulfur dioxide, and ozone.

Water quality
Trees trap and absorb excess nutrients and sediments before they reach waterways, helping to reduce contamination of freshwater resources.

Biodiversity
Trees provide food, cover, and places to raise young for wildlife, such as birds, insects, squirrels, and bees. A single tree can be home to hundreds of species of insect, fungi, moss, mammals, and plants, whereas forests create a wonderfully balanced system where soil, plants, and animals all depend on each other to thrive as a diverse ecosystem.

3D World Tree Map
Conclusion 

In summary, forests support human life all over the world as they regulate our climate, clean the air we breathe, and filter the water we drink. They also provide habitat for more than two-thirds of terrestrial wildlife and plants. They are one of our most important resources, offering a renewable supply of the materials and the goods we need for a more sustainable future. While plating memorial trees  and celebration trees with The Gifted Tree helps one connect on a personal level with loved ones and friends by expressing your feelings and showing you care, on a macro-level, our tree planting supports vital reforestation efforts around the world, helping to improve our planet’s health and giving a gift to the world.

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Gift Trees – Our Tree Planting Project in Tuscany, Italy

Area in Tuscany near The Gifted Tree's Italy tree planting project

 

Tuscany, Italy

Earlier in the month, my family and I were fortunate enough to visit Italy. Our itinerary started in Rome, continued to Naples and down to the Amalfi coast and finished up in Tuscany, the area of The Gifted Tree’s tree planting project. As we drove north into the Tuscany hills, as well as spending the day traveling around the Tuscany countryside, it became readily apparent why the area has the reputation it has. It is well deserved. The central Italian region of Tuscany is known for being one of the most beautiful areas of the country, and it does not disappoint. In addition to its scenery – the rolling green hills, olive groves, vineyards, and wide-open skies – Tuscany is famous for its charming, rustic villages which reflect the history of the region.

Landscape of Tuscany Italy Planting Project - The Gifted Tree

World War II and Italy

Unfortunately, part of that history also includes World War II. Due to movies and books, most people remember the war taking place in France, England, and eastern Europe. The fact is, however, since the beginning of the war, Italy, like other European countries, was the victim of numerous airborne attacks. It wasn’t only cities to be in danger, but also specific locations of strategic relevance in the countryside. Germans occupied numerous towns and villages in the area around Florence, and the area was subject to many allied bombing sorties which were quite damaging to the countryside. Besides damage to the buildings and infrastructure of Tuscany, the forests in the area were majorly damaged and areas that used to be tree covered were left bare and in ruins.

Our Planting Project in Tuscany, Italy

Located in one of the most beautiful regions of Italy (Tuscany), the Pomino Forest borders the Casentinesi National Forest Park. Tuscany is one of Italy’s most visited regions because of its architecture, land, gastronomy, and also its preserved natural areas. The area is full of protected green spaces surrounding small villages that are popular among tourists from all over the world, including my family.

The village of Pomino is located 7 kilometers away from the town of Ruffina. This village of 228 inhabitants is particularly known for its production of white and red wines. Around the vineyards, the forest offers unique landscapes to all who visit. Following the destruction of this forest in the Second World War, it was totally replanted in Douglas pine, significantly reducing the former biodiversity of the site. Additionally, this barely diversified stand was thus particularly sensitive to climatic hazards and biological attacks. But thanks to The Gifted Tree, and its non-profit tree planting partners, the forest of Pomino is being restored through its tree planting project in Tuscany. Trees are being planted and the natural regeneration of the existing plants is supported to ensure the future of the forest.

Tree Planting Project Tuscany Italy

To fortify the forest, Douglas firs are being planted alongside new species including pine, birch, chestnut, beech, pedunculate oak, sessile oak, hornbeam, hops, ash, maple, limewood, and cherry trees. The strategy is starting to pay off as the forest is diversified and strengthened. Today, it is home to a rich biodiversity of animals including wolves who have returned to the area and are now permanently present.

By the end of the project in a few years, two thirds of the land area around Pamino and the Casentino National Forest Park will be converted into a diversified mixed forest, composed of species perfectly adapted to the site’s climatic conditions. Ultimately, the balance between the environmental, social, landscape and economic functions of Pomino’s forest will be restored to what existed before the tragedies of World War II.

Tuscany, Italy countryside near The Gifted Tree's planting project

Planting Gift Trees in Tuscany, Italy

The Gifted Tree make it easy to plant a memorial or celebration tree in Tuscany, Italy or one of 80 locations in United States National Forests or many countries around the world. Choose the tribute design option you like from one of the six hand-crafted choices. Customize and personalize the message you want to include on the tree planting certificate, and let us know the address where we should send the tribute card.  The tribute is sure to show you care as well as help reforest areas that are devastated by fire and climate change, and world war.

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The Best Time To Plant a Tree

There is an old proverb, aren’t they all old, which says: The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is now. The wisdom is almost entirely true, but not totally true as I will explain in a bit. It is almost always a good time to plant a tree as they provide so many benefits.

Benefit of Trees

Tree branches form the shape of a heart with sunset in background.

Without getting into all the details, here are 10 reasons we need to plant and care for trees as is explained in more detail on our importance of trees page.

  1. Trees absorb CO2 gases helping offset the effects of climate change.
  2. Trees provide oxygen and clean the air at the same time.
  3. Tree coverage helps cool by day and retain heat at night thus conserving energy.
  4. Trees act as natural water filters, reduce soil erosion, and help prevent flooding.
  5. Trees help increase property values and beautify communities.
  6. Trees provide a habitat for the world’s plants and animals to, if not thrive, at least survive.
  7. Trees can provide food for both humans and animals.
  8. Trees provide many health benefits including shielding us from harmful ultra-violet rays.
  9. Trees create economic opportunities, especially in impoverished areas around the world.
  10. Trees provide shade so we can enjoy a picnic.

Best Time To Plant a TreeFather wearing gray shirt and shorts and son in checkered shirt and pants planting tree under sun.

The old proverb quoted above shows that man understood the benefits of lush arbor coverage centuries ago, however, one doesn’t just want to plant a tree at any time of year, but at the right time. The best time to plant a tree is typically during the dormant season, which is in the late fall or early spring, depending on your climate and the type of tree you’re planting. Here are some guidelines to consider:

  • Late Fall (Autumn): Planting in late fall, after the tree has dropped its leaves, can be an excellent time because the tree can focus on establishing and growing its root system during the cooler months without the stress of hot weather. Also, in the Fall, the soil stays warm well after the air temperature cools, which also encourages root growth. This allows it to be better prepared for the growing season in the spring.
  • Early Spring: Early spring is another suitable time for tree planting, just before new growth begins. The soil is still relatively cool, which encourages root development. It’s important to plant early enough in the spring so that the tree has time to establish roots before the heat of summer.
  • Avoid Extreme Weather: Avoid planting during the hot summer months or during freezing winter conditions. Extreme temperatures can stress the tree and make it harder for it to establish itself. Trees planted in the Fall are better equipped to deal with heat and drought in future seasons.
  • Consider Local Climate: The best time can vary based on your local climate and the specific type of tree you’re planting. Some trees may have specific planting times that are ideal for their growth.
  • Container vs. Bare-Root: If you’re planting a container-grown tree, you have more flexibility in terms of when you can plant, but still, aim for the dormant season or early spring. Bare-root trees are typically planted during the dormant season.
  • Fewer Insects: The cooler temps of Fall and early Winter keep down the activity of insects which can be harmful to newly planted trees (as well as more established, mature trees).
  • Rainfall: If possible, try to time your planting with periods of regular rainfall, which can help the tree establish itself more easily. Increased rainfall and cooler temperatures also means less watering time for you!

As you can see, proper tree planting involves more than just timing. Make sure to prepare the soil properly, dig an appropriate planting hole, and provide the tree with adequate water and care after planting to ensure its success and healthy growth. Additionally, consider the specific requirements of the tree species you’re planting, as some may have unique preferences and needs.

Here at The Gifted Tree, all of our memorial and celebration gift trees are planted in the location’s late spring or fall. This is being done to ensure the long-term survival of the trees as well as to accomplish the goals of the project. We have worked with our tree planting partners for years as they oversee the planting of our memorial and celebration trees as well as monitor their well-being afterwards to help ensure long-term survival allowing these trees to create a legacy lasting for generations.

The Gifted Tree has planting projects in over 80 locations in United States National Forests and in countries around the world. Each planting project has specific goals and plants different species of trees. Join us in exploring these planting locations as we update our locations pages to make it easier to view the projects available and to learn about the goals of the project, the species of trees planted, and, if available, a link to virtually view the general planting area via Bing earth maps.

Trees and a rushing Mountain Stream

 

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