No matter which country we live in, or the name of the town, whether we live in a house or a flat or a mobile structure, there is one thing we call have in common: we all call Planet Earth our home.
And she needs our help.
There are currently around 3 trillion trees on the planet, but this number is sadly declining quickly.
Why Do We Need Trees?
Trees do a lot of important jobs, and help us in everyday life.
- Providing oxygen – Trees are responsible for providing us with oxygen to breathe. They use photosynthesis to remove extra carbon dioxide from the air, and convert it into the oxygen we need to breathe.
- They prevent floods – The roots of trees can help to help take in excess water and reduce floods, by giving rainwater somewhere to go.
- They clean our air – Trees do a great job at filtering our air to leave it fresh and clean.
- They boost our mood – Being around trees makes us less tired, improves our memories, and helps us to relax and unwind.
- They provide homes – Trees are a home wildlife and birds, with every part from the roots right up to the thinnest branches creating a habitat for insects, birds and mammals.
Trees are one of the most important features of our planet, and we need to help them out!
What Can I Do?
The easiest way to do your bit for our precious planet is to plant your very own tree! Choose a space in your garden which gets plenty of sunlight, and where your tree will have room to grow. Remember that some of them can get very big! Apple trees are always a great one to start with – and you have the added bonus of delicious fruit!
No Garden? No Need To Worry!
Some of us live in different places, and might not have a garden or any space to plant a tree. We have good news: you can plant things to grow anywhere! All you need is a small pot, and a tree or plant of your choice. If you have a balcony, choose a corner and a plant which enjoys the sun, and instantly brighten up your outside space.
You can also grow an indoor plant – this will still let you do your bit to save the planet, and there are plenty of plants which prefer an inside life. Snake plants, ficuses, spider plants and yuccas are all super easy to get you started with your own indoor garden.
How Do I Plant My Tree?
This might seem like a big job, but it is super simple, and can make a huge difference. Worried that you don’t have a garden? Grab your plant, and lets get digging! Follow these steps to create your own piece of nature wherever you are!
- Start by digging a hole in the soil, or filling up your plant pot and making a small dip in the middle. Make sure it is bigger than the seedling you want to plant.
- Remove your plant from its container – be very gentle, and don’t tear any leaves or roots.
- Place the plant gently in the hole or dip you have made.
- Fill in the hole with soil and pat it down firmly – make sure the surface is firm and there are no gaps! Check that the roots are below the surface, and the plant stands straight and tall.
- Make sure you provide plenty of water, depending on what your plant needs – you can find this information online or on the seed packet.
Congratulations – you have made a real difference to the planet! Now, time to decide what you will plant next, or do some research on different types of trees, vegetables and flowers!
Make sure you head over to check out Zayna’s latest adventure – she has lots of helpful tips to help you make a difference!
