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5 Ways to Honor National Love a Tree Day

Trees of all kinds are vital to sustaining wildlife. They provide shelter, shade and they prevent soil erosion, among many other benefits. In honor of Love A Tree Day on May 16th, here are several ways toshow love for one of natures more majestic creations.

1. Learn the Name of Trees That Live Around You

Take a hike and bring a tree identification book with you to learn the various species along your walk. Or try using the app Leafsnap, which can help identify tree species from their leaves.

2. Water a Thirsty Tree

Trees are tough but they still need a drink now and then. They dont immediately cry out for water like flowers or other plants. CSU/Denver CountyExtension Master Gardenernotes that trees in drier climates should be deep watered to a depth of 12 inches below the soil surface. The soil should be saturated around the tree within the outer edges of its branches. Watering should be done slowly to make sure the water reaches deep down into the roots. Finally, dont dig holes around the tree to water it, since this can dry out roots even more.

3. Give Your Tree Some Healthy Company

Add a bird feeder to your tree. Birds eat the insects that threaten the health of trees. As noted in an article in the Ecological Society of America, birds can contribute to whole tree growth by preying on herbaceous arthropods, such as leafhoppers, caterpillars and grasshoppers. In their role as insect predators, birds may benefit trees by helping to reduce the potentially devastating impacts of defoliating insects. According toBirds Etcetera, the potential economic benefits of insectivorous birds was one of the original arguments for the passage of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in 1918.

4. Plant a Tree

As noted by North Carolina State University, trees offer many benefits. They reduce air temperature by blocking sunlight. As natures air conditioner, the evaporation from a single tree can produce the cooling effect of 10 room-size air conditioners running 20 hours a day. Whats more, a healthy tree can store 13 pounds of carbon annually. Trees can help offset the buildup of carbon dioxide in the air and reduce the “greenhouse effect.” On a grander scale, an acre of trees can absorb up to 2.6 tons of carbon dioxide. The American Forestry Association estimates that 100 million new trees would absorb 18 million tons of carbon dioxide.

5. Give a Tree in Celebration

Plant a tree in celebration of birthdays, anniversaries, new births, or any special occasion. The perfect last-minute gift for any occasion, donating a tree in one of America’s national forests makes an excellent, thoughtful gift that shows your concern for the environment. Learn more about our reforestation efforts.

If youre fortunate enough to have a tree or two in your backyard, sit under the tree and meditate.Close your eyes and think about how your tree provides shade in the summer. Listen as the wind rustles its leaves to create that restful sound that can relax and invigorate you.Think about the many songbirds that your tree attracts to its lofty branches.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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5 Ways to Honor National Love a Tree Day

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