40th National Tree week

In 1975, the Prime Minister of the day, Harold Wilson, planted a Holm oak tree at Chequers and Margaret Thatcher, the then Leader of the Opposition chose to plant a Lime tree in NW6. This was the birth of National Tree week, an annual event where the Tree Council, the UK’s leading charity for trees, promotes the importance of trees for our environment and encourages schools, communities, organizations and individuals to plant them.

Why do we need trees?  Simply, because we need to breathe! Trees generate the very air we inhale and in doing so help remove carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from the atmosphere which in turn assists in cooling the earth.

Amazingly, if you imagine a mature tree with a large canopy: this single, living ‘plant’ can provide enough oxygen for two people to survive. That’s how important they are. And even more remarkable, trees filter air pollution and help reduce ozone levels, particularly in urban areas.  Floods would also be reduced if more trees were planted as they build up the soil level soaking up more rainwater and allowing less to drain into our waterways.

Unfortunately, we cut down over 50,000 square miles of forest each year for farming, building materials, fuel and paper. This statistic wouldn’t be so alarming if we recycled more and used sustainable materials but until then we need to try and replace all those trees removed from the earth. If you want to make a powerful difference to our environment, plant a tree.

Of course not everyone has enough land to plant a forest but even the smallest garden should be able to accommodate a tree; even a balcony has enough room for a container. Apart from doing your bit for the environment, trees are beautiful to look at, whether it’s their lovely autumn colours, or nuts and fruits, or eye-catching flowers.

There are many tree species you could plant including the ever popular Japanese maple, of which there are hundreds of cultivars to choose from, most with glorious leaf colour and shape. Or, for both brilliant autumn leaves and stunning spring blossom there are cherry trees. Dwarf apple, and pear trees are also readily available that give colour, flowers and fruit.

And, as it’s that time of year again, why not  view our  fantastic range of Norway Spruce Christmas Trees 

Published December 3rd, 2014 by Jordan. Article ref 3403

Tags: national tree week, tree

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