Memorial gardens and commemorative tree planting have become increasingly popular choices for honoring the memory of loved ones. These living tributes provide a beautiful and lasting way to celebrate the life of someone special while also giving back to nature. In this article, we will explore the benefits of planting trees and how you can create a living tribute through tree planting.
Benefits of Planting Trees
Trees provide numerous benefits to our environment and communities. They are often planted to provide shade and beautify our landscapes, but they also offer other less obvious benefits. Here are some of the benefits of planting trees:
Social Benefits
- Trees make life nicer. Spending time among trees and green spaces reduces the amount of stress that we carry around with us in our daily lives.
- Hospital patients have been shown to recover from surgery more quickly when their hospital room offered a view of trees.
- Children have been shown to retain more of the information taught in schools if they spend some of their time outdoors in green spaces.
Communal Benefits
- Even though you may own the trees on your property, your neighbors may benefit from them as well.
- Through careful planning, trees can be an asset to your entire community.
Environmental Benefits
- Trees absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants, improving air quality.
- They provide habitat for wildlife and help to maintain biodiversity.
- Trees help to prevent soil erosion and reduce the risk of flooding.
Creating a Living Tribute
Planting a tree in memory of a loved one is a beautiful way to create a living tribute that benefits present and future generations. Here are some ways to create a living tribute through tree planting:
- Plant a Tree in a National Forest
Planting a tree in a National Forest through organizations like The Nature Conservancy or A Living Tribute is a great way to create a living tribute that benefits the environment. Each order plants a tree in someone’s name and includes a mailed card. With each order, tree planting organizations under the supervision of the Forest Service commit to planting new trees on designated National Forests and State Parks in dire need of restoration. Every 1,000 tree seedlings that they plant will restore four acres of forest and create critical wildlife habitat.
- Plant a Tree in Your Own Garden
Planting a tree in your own garden is a great way to create a living tribute that you can enjoy for years to come. You can choose a tree that has special meaning to you or your loved one, or you can select a tree that is well-suited to your climate and soil conditions. Be sure to choose a location that will allow the tree to grow to its full size without interfering with power lines or other structures.
- Create a Memorial Garden
Creating a memorial garden is another way to create a living tribute that honors the memory of a loved one. You can plant trees, shrubs, and flowers that have special meaning to you or your loved one, or you can create a garden that reflects their personality or interests. Be sure to choose a location that is well-suited to the plants you want to grow and that receives the appropriate amount of sunlight and water.
Memorial gardens and commemorative tree planting provide a beautiful and lasting way to celebrate the life of someone special while also giving back to nature. Whether you choose to plant a tree in a National Forest, in your own garden, or create a memorial garden, you can create a living tribute that benefits present and future generations.