Following in the footsteps of our founding Sisters, the Franciscan Sisters of Mary, we have a long-standing commitment to preserving our earth and its resources and nurturing healthy communities at SSM Health. We understand that environmental damage often impacts those who are most vulnerable, including the poor, sick, and those at the margins of society. As such, we advocate for clean air and water, and neighborhoods in which it is safe to work, play and exercise — as well as limiting our direct negative environmental impact.
As we celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day during this Year of Hope, let’s come together to find ways to make our environment better and create hope for a greener tomorrow.
Today, we’re focusing on the benefits of planting trees and how to plant them properly.
Did you know:
- Trees absorb CO2, removing and storing the carbon while releasing oxygen back into the air. In one year, an acre of mature trees absorbs the same amount of CO2 produced when you drive your car 26,000 miles.
- In one year, an acre of mature trees can provide enough oxygen for 18 people.
- Trees cool cities by up to 10°F, by shading our homes and streets, breaking up urban “heat islands” and releasing water vapor into the air through their leaves.
- Three trees placed strategically around a single-family home can cut summer air conditioning needs by up to 50 percent.
- Studies have shown that patients with views of trees out their windows heal faster and with less complications.
- Learn more about the benefits of trees.
When planting trees of your own, here are some helpful tips:
1) Select the right tree for your location: Choose a tree that will grow well in your area and make sure it has plenty of room— vertically and horizontally—for the canopy and roots to grow.
2) Dig the hole at least twice as wide as the root ball and no deeper than the root ball: This keeps the roots from settling too deep while still allowing them to penetrate the surrounding soil.
3) Fill the empty hole with water and check the drainage: If it takes longer than 24 hours to drain, select another site. A tree will die if its roots are underwater for long periods of time.
4) Prune the tree sparingly and only if necessary. Remove only dead, broken and diseased branches and roots that are crushed or growing around the main stem. Removing even a small portion of healthy canopy slows root growth and delays establishment.
5) Set the tree in the hole with the root collar (area just above the roots) flush or slightly above natural grade: Planting a new tree too deep is a leading cause for it not surviving. Remember to always handle a new tree by the container or root ball – never the trunk.
6) Remove all foreign materials from the root ball: This includes wires, twine, cords, containers and non-biodegradable bags. If planting a tree with roots wrapped in burlap, remove as much of the burlap as possible. This allows water to seep in and the roots to grow out.
7) Gently fill the hole with the same soil that came out of the hole: Do not add soil amendments and settle the soil with water. Packing the soil will damage and break fine roots.
8) Stake the tree only if necessary: Consult a professional if staking is required. Stakes should not be left in place more than one year.
9) Mulch around the tree at least out to the drip line, two to three inches deep and up to but not touching the trunk: Wood chips, pine bark, leaf litter and hay are great mulches. Mulching keeps soil temperature mostly steady, boosts soil moisture retention and keeps weeds at bay. Organic mulches add nutrients to the soil as they decompose.
10) Water the tree for at least the first two years, but don’t overwater: A newly planted tree requires six to eight gallons of water for every diameter inch of trunk—per week. A thorough soaking is much better than light, frequent watering.
11) Do not fertilize the tree during the first growing season: Too much nitrogen will burn tender roots, slowing growth and delaying establishment.
