THE VITAL ROLE OF TREES
Mike Glover, MD of Barcham Trees, explains how these majestic plants benefit the planet while adding colour and structure to the garden
WHY ARE THEY SO IMPORTANT? Every tree planted is a credit to the environment, absorbing carbon dioxide from the air and releasing the oxygen we need to breathe. Living trees store carbon in their trunks, branches and leaves, preventing it from escaping into the atmosphere. However, some are better than others and large trees that live for a long time offer the biggest benefits to the planet, so consider these points when choosing one.
WHICH ONES ARE BEST FOR THE ENVIRONMENT? Here at Barcham, we have an eco-impact rating for each of our trees, which tells customers how much pollution filtration, carbon sequestration and carbon storage they will achieve over their lifespan, while also taking into account the environmental costs of production. So you can see clearly how your favourites rate – however, all trees have a positive impact on the environment, so planting any tree is better than not planting one at all.
HOW DO YOU PLANT A TREE? Trees are best planted from November to March, but you can plant pot-grown specimens at other times too. The key to success is watering, and newly-planted trees need consistent moisture for 2-3 years while roots establish. Mimic nature by adding an organic mulch such as leaf mould or bark chips over the root area after planting to emulate a forest floor. Fill a six-litre watering can with a rose attachment and sprinkle water onto the mulch so that it seeps down slowly into the soil, just like a rain shower. This allows the soil to hold the water for long enough for a tree’s roots to absorb it.
“EVERY TREE HELPS TO REDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE. IF ALL OF THE UK PLANTED ONE AND LOOKED AFTER IT, WE’D HAVE MILLIONS MORE IN JUST 10 YEARS’ TIME”
MIKE GLOVER, MD of Barcham Trees