With Jenny Watts
Trees are living umbrellas that protect us from the elements, clean the air and water, and nurture a sense of well-being.
Trees provide air quality benefits in several ways. One of the most important ways is by releasing oxygen into the air as a byproduct of photosynthesis. Annual oxygen production varies depending on the type of tree, as well as its size, health and location.
A healthy 30-foot-tall tree produces about 260 pounds of oxygen annually. A typical person consumes 386 pounds of oxygen per year. So two medium-sized, healthy trees can supply the oxygen required for a single person.
Trees also remove pollutants from the air. Sulfur dioxide is absorbed through the leaves, and transferred down through the tree into the roots and into the soil.
Human activities, primarily fossil-fuel consumption, are adding greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, resulting in gradual temperature increases. The effects of this global warming are a serious concern. Planting more trees is a simple but effective way to help hold back global warming.
Trees are important storage sites for carbon dioxide, the primary greenhouse gas. They store carbon dioxide in their trunks, branches, leaves and roots as they grow. In addition, trees near buildings can reduce the need for heating and air conditioning, thereby reducing emissions from electric power plants.
One study found that Sacramento's urban forest of six million trees removes approximately 335 thousand tons of atmospheric carbon dioxide annually. City trees work tirelessly to improve human health and quality of life.
The benefits of trees are directly related to their size. Larger trees provide greater benefits than small ones.
Select trees that will fit the space available, because healthy and vigorous trees are the most effective.
Fall is an excellent time to plant trees. While the soil is still warm, roots will grow out into the native soil. A tree planted in the fall will be better established and grow larger and faster next summer than the same tree planted next spring.
Replace tired petunias with bright pansies, snapdragons, calendulas and stock for garden color this fall and winter.
Dogwood, walnut, birch and maple trees can be pruned now because they won't bleed sap at this time of year.
Plant cover crops in areas of the garden that have finished producing for the summer. Crimson clover and fava beans will grow over the winter and enrich the soil for next year.
It's time to divide overgrown perennials that bloomed in the spring or early summer. It's also a good time to choose and plant some new varieties.
Fall is for planting. Make the most of the nice fall weather and plant trees, shrubs, ground covers and bulbs now during the fall planting season.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: California Certified Nursery Professional Jenny Watts is Co-owner of Sanhedrin Nursery in Willits. Visit www.sanhedrinnursery.com.