Many of my clients in this beautiful Northwest area have a few trees in their yard or on their general property. This is something my family envies just a bit because when we purchased our first house this last year, we ended up with a gorgeous house and 10 wide open acres. No large trees- just a few young maples that the prior owner probably recently put in. And we know what the benefit of more trees would do for us! They could provide more shaded areas for our kids to play in during the hot summer days. They could serve as a wind break because we get MANY windstorms throughout the year in our prairie area. Not only would they be a wind break, but also a sound break from the traffic on the road near our house. Dependent on the tree, they could be a habitat for some different varieties of wildlife for our family to enjoy. And trees would also just be something pleasant to look at while sitting on our deck enjoying a summer sunset.
Because of our lack of trees, my wife and I kept our eyes open for opportunities to try and gain trees without the terrible cost. This is when I started noticing during spring clean-ups last year and throughout the year mowing, that many of my clients end up with small pine tree starts and maple tree starts near their already tall beautiful trees! My clients wanted them out of the yard... and I offered to take them. Needless to say the tiny little starts didn't last very long in our soil and we didn't really have the knowledge or the time to care for such young starts to get them strong enough to encourage growth. I do want to say though, that the gesture of my clients allowing my family to have the baby starts instead of just tossing them was a good one and I am reminded of that while thinking of Arbor Day being tomorrow...
Just an idea: If you're being overwhelmed with tiny little tree starts surrounding your yard, I might suggest to dig them up and pot them. Then post ads on craigslist, churches, or at grocery stores offering free baby tree starts. This may take a bit of your personal time and funds, but you'd be doing something good for someone else- and great for our planet by giving the possibility for more trees to be planted and to grow!
Have a great rest of the week!
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