When planting a tree, it’s important to understand that while we may never sit in its shade or taste its fruits, it’s comforting to know that future generations will be able to. By the time you finish reading this article you’ll know how to plant a tree correctly and understand all the subsequent work that’s required to keep it growing.
It’s amazing to see how, over time and with the proper care, something so small can grow into something so much larger and with so many benefits for the planet. Although it may seem like a simple task, there are a number of factors to consider.
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There’s a popular saying that “there are three thing you must do in life to feel fulfilled: write a book, have a child and plant a tree”. Three things that take time but will undoubtedly change our lives.
Planting a tree is an action whose results are seen in the long term. Generally speaking, trees grow faster in warm climates, close to the equator, maturing in just 10 to 20 years. In northern latitudes trees tend to grow more slowly, three to six feet per year, but it also depends on the species.
What do we need to plant a tree correctly?
People who want to plant a tree, materials, location and a LOT OF ENTHUSIASM. Are you that kind of person? If so, this is the right article for you!
How to plant a tree correctly
Find a piece of land or have one available to plant a tree
One of the basic tasks we perform is to contact city councils and public organizations to ask if they have any available land that we can use. It’s important that there are no plans to rezone the land so they can guarantee that the trees will remain there for years.
Source trees locally
We usually look for an authorized nursery that can demonstrate the traceability of the trees, i.e., that they are autochthonous and that the seeds are local. Another option is to bring them from our own nurseries located in different parts of Spain. We bring in 1-2 year-old small trees and introduce them into the forest.
Creating forests from indigenous trees of various ages ensures there is a genetic heritage from the site, thus maximizing the chances of success. In other words, we plant trees that have a memory of the area’s typical climate and rainfall to increase the chances of the plantation’s success.
Planting small trees
There are many ways to reforest, but at Bosquia we plant the trees manually in order to provide each one of them with the pampering and care they need.
It’s a good idea to dig the holes a few days before planting to oxygenate the soil. Then, place the tree in the hole, fill it in with the previously extracted soil and squeeze it from time to time to make sure there are no air pockets in the roots.
Before compacting the surrounding soil, it’s a good idea to tug gently on the tree to make sure the roots are not bent.
Finally, form an “alcorque” or mound of earth around the tree to retain water. It should not be too large. If the terrain is sloped, make a crescent-shaped mound so that it collects more rainwater.
Maintenance work
During the first years of the tree’s life, maintenance work is key: watering, pampering, pruning, observing how the tree is progressing, etc. To shelter them until they are stronger, we put some kind of protection around them such as nets or stakes.* These are placed in the soil before planting the tree to avoid damaging the roots.
The best time to plant a tree correctly
As you will hear us say repeatedly, each species of tree is different so each one requires different planting conditions. However, as a general rule the best time to plant a tree is from mid-fall to late winter.
The chances of survival decrease if the tree is planted at other times of the year, without special care which is not always possible to provide once in the ground.
Why plant a tree with Bosquia?
As you’ve seen in this article, in order to plant a tree correctly you need to plan in advance and also consider a series of factors such as the local climate, the type of tree, the soil, etc. So if you want to be sure it will have a positive effect on the environment, you can always count on our help and sponsor a tree with us.
Steps to sponsor a tree with Bosquia
1.- Choose the number of trees that will breathe life and oxygen into our planet
2.- Enter your data. Simply fill out a form with the necessary information
3.- Receive our certificate. We’ll send a certificate to your home address printed on recycled paper with the geolocation of your trees
Remember: once planted, you can visit the trees whenever you want.
4.- We plant your trees. We handle the planting and care of your tree.
If you’re giving it as a gift, check the box “Is it a gift?” and complete the form with the recipient’s details.
Planting trees and breathing clean air makes us happy. Do your part and help us make this world a greener one with less C02!
