I’m no expert on plants and trees and I cannot even claim I have a green thumb.
I do however love the way I feel when I’m surrounded by a forest, the fresh air and the calmness it reflects.
So then why is it okay to cut down and deplete forestation in areas where there is already a shortage of fresh air?
Take for example, in Mumbai the latest destruction is the one of the Aarey forest. Shouldn’t we be doing the opposite?
For those that may be interested there are a few petitions going around that you can sign.
Here is just one of them. We can at least try and be the change we want to see. Even if a tree is replanted the chance of it surviving is 1 in 3, and the larger the tree, the bigger the struggle to re-adapt. Tree’s can actually go into transplant shock – yep that’s a thing.
On Earth Day go and plant a couple saplings. The best time to plant a tree is during the dormant season (late fall or early spring), which allows them to establish roots before the heavy rains and hot summer days.
Do something with your kids and family to show them that they can also participate in making a change.
Which kid doesn’t want to get dirty and play in the dirt and do some digging?
One tradition that I want to start with my family is that for each persons birthday we go to a nursery and choose a sapling of the birthday persons choice and we plant it together.
That way with each year they grow they get to watch the tree grow with them.
Start your own traditions, whether it be picking out saplings and planting them or just spending time enjoying what Mother Nature has to offer you and how you can give back to her.
Here are some of my top picks for saplings to plant depending on where in the world you live.
1) Coniferous trees also known as Christmas trees. These are my absolute favourite in terms of smell and looks. They grow best in areas that have harsher weather. These are great for providing fresh air and grow beautifully over time.
2) Peepal trees. This is a tree that grows easily in India. This tree releases oxygen both day and night, which makes it great for planting near the house.
3) Cherry blossom trees. This tree is beautiful and is known for the beautification it brings to any place while displaying what life is all about. If you’re looking for longevity of the tree I would recommend the black cherry tree as that can live up to 250 years. It provides a fresh pop of colour and fragrance.
It’s great for sitting under in the summer and enjoying a picnic with the family.
Find our what saplings and trees work best in the ground where you live. Go to your nearest nursery and they will be able to guide you.
The trees that I mentioned above are not going to grow overnight so remember that when you do plant one make sure you think about what it is going to look like 50 to 100 years down the road. Will its roots have enough space to spread? Will it overtake any other trees or plants you’re growing?
I’m not asking you to become a tree hugger. However, all of us do need to make an effort to reduce the concrete jungle footprint and bring more greenery and fresh air into our lives. Look outside – does something green and lush bring you peace or something grey and hard?
Comment below and let me know what some of your favourite saplings are?
xo, Zarine
