Planting a tree as a family activity is a marvelous and memorable experience. It connects family members, teaches important lessons, and creates a positive impact.
Also, this activity is a wonderful strategy to connect with nature and admire its beauty. Usually, people tend to spend their time indoors, busy with work, school, or errands. Planting a tree motivates families to spend time outdoors, breathe fresh air, and participate in a hands-on activity. In addition, it permits families to comprehend the significance of trees. Indeed, trees make the planet lively and healthy.
This article will explain the significance, advantages, and provide step-by-step instructions on how to plant a tree as a family.
Planting a Tree is Important
Planting a tree is a highly encouraged act in Islam.
It is narrated in a hadith from Anas bin Malik:
Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessing Be Upon Him) said,
"There is none amongst the Muslims who plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person or an animal eats from it, but is regarded as a charitable gift for him."
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
This hadith emphasizes the continuous rewards of planting trees, as they sustain food and shelter for living beings.
Benefits of Planting a Tree
Environmental: Enhances water and soil preservation, absorbs carbon dioxide, releases oxygen, balances local weather by having shade, adjusts temperatures, boosts wildlife terrain, and several animals use trees for their homes that provide food and shelter.
Economical: Decrease energy and electricity costs. During the winter, trees prevent strong winds from entering the houses, resulting in lowering heat usage. During the summer, trees provide shade that makes homes naturally cool, decreasing the air conditioning usage for homeowners and businesses.
Social: Trees help individuals feel calm and reduce stress. People’s blood pressures and sympathetic nervous systems tend to decrease while the parasympathetic nervous system is elevated, which is correlated to tranquility. Also, trees lower depression because trees help contact natural light, enhancing sleep. In addition, trees enhance air quality and decrease noise levels.
How to Plant a Tree
1. Select the Right Tree:
Research different types of trees online. Allowing children to engage with choosing a tree will add interest when planting a tree. If the surroundings are small, a little tree is a better option. It’s recommended to select a suitable local species to one’s environment and most beneficial to animals as shelter. Moreover, examine trees that have color, shade, fruits, flowering time, and the possibility of having trimming. Experienced garden staff, local extension service, or master gardener staff can suggest suitable trees for one’s backyard.
2. Find a Good Spot:
Check for underground utility lines such as gas, cable, and electric. In addition, check for above obstacles like phone and electric lines because trees will grow. Moreover, it’s important to know the appropriate area, soil, and sunlight because different types of trees favour different surroundings. Prior planting, it’s also important to ensure the area is safe to dig by contacting 811. It’s an unpaid and federally assigned number that connects to a centre. The centre will call the local utility businesses and inform them on the planned spot in the yard. An employer will arrive to find the close area of the underground lines, so the tree doesn’t conflict with them. It can prevent a lot of issues such as repairs, fines, injuries, outages, and property damage.
3. Prepare the Soil:
Dig a hole that is low enough to position the roots of the tree and wide enough to enlarge the width of the roots. If the soil is too hard, place the sharp end of the shovel and break into the sides of the soil to soften it. Involving children digging in the soil will motivate them to participate in the process of planting a tree.
4. Place the Tree:
Position the tree inside the hole and pack it with soil to protect the roots. Then, the family members can walk around and see from all angles and fix the tree if required because the trunk needs to be straight. Ensure the soil around the tree is hard; leaving a partial space at the top so that the rainwater absorbs the roots. This strategy makes the most of the rainy weather, which is significant for the environment.
5. Fill the Hole and Water:
Seal the hole with soil. Also, lightly pat the soil around the roots to have the root being in contact with the soil. It is suggested to partially water spray the hole after refilling half way because it will have moisture and it will remove air pockets. Consequently, a tree that has air pockets will have a likelihood of dead roots. Afterwards, water the tree to help the roots settle.
6. Add Mulch:
According to Gardener’s World, "Mulch is a thick layer of material placed over the soil and around plants, used to suppress weeds and lock moisture into the soil, while acting as a physical barrier to drying winds and direct sun.”
Spread a layer of mulch around the bottom of the tree, having some space around the trunk. Mulch helps preserve moisture and helps roots to be closer to the surface. It is a very significant step for planting a tree.
7. Care for the Tree:
It is recommended to water the tree daily for the initial two weeks. Afterwards, family members can water it only once per week, ensuring the tree is getting approximately one gallon of water.
Planting a tree as a family is an impressive way to make a positive impact for the environment. It increases family bonds, teaches responsibility, and helps save the environment. Families who participate in tree planting tend to have a stronger connection with the outdoors and each other. It is a wonderful experience that creates memories and instills important lessons.
Families can plant more trees and encourage others to do the same. As a result, it can lead to a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world.
Author bio: Amanda Hasan is a graduate of the University of Toronto (Bachelor of Arts) and Humber College (Law Clerk). She is the author of Joyless, an Amazon novella that tells the story of a lonely teenage girl working at an amusement park. More recently, Amanda copyedited several children's stories for Compass Books. She also worked with Muslim Network TV writing scripts, securing guest speakers, and prepping for interviews. Amanda is currently residing in the Greater Toronoto Area with her family.
Suggested Links:
- https://sunnah.com/bukhari:2320
- https://www.bgky.org/tree/benefits
- https://lsrca.on.ca/index.php/home/top-5-benefits-of-trees/
- https://www.carma.earth/blog-posts/social-benefits-of-trees
- https://kidsgardening.org/resources/garden-activities-plant-a-family-tree/
- https://www.loveyourlandscape.org/expert-advice/little-landscapers/family-fun/grow-a-family-tree/
- https://www.growingagreenerworld.com/how-to-plant-a-tree/
- https://www.homedepot.com/c/ah/how-to-plant-a-tree/9ba683603be9fa5395fab90cc2d2574
- https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/maintain-the-garden/mulches-and-mulching/
Add new comment