Environmental Perspectives episode 4
Notes from the Field Part 4
Future thinking - saving seeds and raising trees (Winter - Spring)
Source: Unsplash / Nik Demidko @demidroid
Trees as an integral part of a healthy planet: A Planter’s Toolkit
Thumbing through a tree guide, it is hard not to be impressed by their staggering variety. From a hawthorn to a hazel, from a baobab to a bonsai - trees exhibit a myriad of wonderful variations in leaf colour, bark texture, canopy height, longevity and form.
However, their beauty is more than skin-deep - they bring with them an almost infinite array of benefits, from sucking down carbon and sustaining wildlife to improving the health of our rivers and simply making us feel good. In a world that has been completely altered from its natural ecological processes by us, it is clear that we need more trees if the planet is going to recover, and so allow the survival and continued evolution of both ourselves and our fellow species.
This article investigates the intricate art of raising trees, exploring the challenges and rewards of nurturing these arboreal allies. From seed collection to sapling care, essential considerations for aspiring arborists will be uncovered with insights offered into the complex web of factors that determine a tree's success in the wild.
Tree Raising Realities: Essential Considerations for Aspiring Arborists
So trees are fundamental, and we need more. But what’s the catch? Can anyone collect tree seeds, save saplings and raise baby trees? It’s certainly interesting, exciting and fun to try. But, where will you plant the trees once they’ve outgrown their pots? What problems could arise in the future? These questions are worth considering as trees are long-lived and have a relatively permanent place in the landscape.
Indeed, I’ve often heard people say they have saved and germinated some tree seeds or given struggling saplings a new lease of life in their humble back garden nursery, but then are stuck on knowing what to do with them next. These actions are wonderful and clearly show the level of care and attention people are prepared to go to save and nurture new life.
However, after starting with the best intentions, it’s important to think of the bigger picture and to realise that there are centuries of knowledge, learning, profession and skill in the fields of collecting seeds, nursery practice, tree planting, forestry and landscape management. If a tree is going to be planted to reap the rewards of its many benefits, it needs to be the right tree in the right place.
Its species and genetic characteristics need to be suited to the site and the growing conditions, as well as being the right choice of tree for its potential use. Another important aspect is the health and quality of the sapling, how well it is handled and how well it is planted. Then, it’s important to remember that tree planting is so much more than just the initial planting - aftercare is critical in determining the fate of any young sapling.
Every great tree starts with a great spot — and 9Trees are on the case. Source: Rafael Idrovo Espinoza / Unsplash.
Even with all of the right elements in place, there is always going to be a percentage of planted trees that won’t survive or will have poor establishment and growth. Beyond the nitty-gritty of the tree’s biology and ecology, there are also regulations to consider. These regulations cover the collection and propagation of forest reproductive material, ensuring that trees that are sold as forest material (including planting woodland for biodiversity and amenity value) can be genetically traced back to their parent or source material (root, etc.).
These regulations must be adhered to if anybody intends to market tree seed or trees raised from seed. There is also a voluntary scheme that can help both with stock traceability and may be a requirement for applying for grant schemes for tree planting. If you intend to collect seed, the most basic requirement is to have the land owner's permission and to be sure of the species you are collecting. If you intend to market forest reproductive material, then you need to become registered and are responsible for following the regulations.
Long-Term Planning: Consider the future growth and requirements of the trees beyond initial planting.
Site Suitability: Evaluate the environmental conditions and suitability of the planting site for optimal tree growth.
Species Selection: Choose tree species based on their compatibility with the site's conditions and intended purpose.
Quality Assurance: Ensure the health and quality of saplings through proper handling and nursery practices.
Aftercare Importance: Recognise the critical role of aftercare in supporting the establishment and growth of young trees.
Choosing the Right Spot: Where to Plant Your Young Trees
When deciding where to plant baby trees, careful consideration of environmental factors is crucial for their successful growth. Choose locations with well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging, ensuring proper aeration for developing roots. Sunlight is another critical factor, as most trees thrive in full sunlight; however, some species may tolerate partial shade. Be mindful of spacing requirements and potential obstructions as trees mature. Planting away from structures and power lines can prevent future issues.
Additionally, consider the tree's specific needs regarding soil pH and composition. Urban areas may benefit from strategically planting trees to enhance aesthetics, provide shade, and contribute to air quality. Ultimately, thoughtful planning that accounts for the specific requirements of the tree species will contribute to the long-term health and vitality of your baby trees.
Soil considerations: Select locations with well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging and promote root development.
Sunlight requirements: Assess sunlight availability to ensure adequate exposure for photosynthesis and growth.
Spacing and obstructions: Plan for mature tree size and consider potential obstructions to prevent future issues.
Urban considerations: Strategically plant trees in urban areas to enhance aesthetics, provide shade, and improve air quality.
Soil composition: Match tree species to soil pH and composition to support healthy growth.
What’s more powerful than new roots taking hold? Source: Paurav Shah / Unsplash.
So what should you do with a garden full of vigorous, healthy saplings, teeming with life and potential?
Hopefully, you know a landowner who has space and is willing to plant to grow large healthy specimens of the species you have raised and has the time, skill and knowledge to give good aftercare. Or maybe you know someone who needs to create or gap up a hedge, where the trees will be cut regularly to provide a multitude of benefits and uses. It’s possible that you could find a local woodland community group or charity with an interest in planting trees, but remember, they will need to be thinking about the suitability of species for their site and the health and successful establishment of planting stock.
Often in this situation, trees that can’t find a home will get potted up and left for another year, or left in the ground trying to out-compete each other and establish in a nursery bed where they are ultimately not wanted. But then the problem will remain next year, and not only is the tree now bigger, but its potential for establishing well and growing to full health and vigour (or surviving uprooting and transplanting) is diminishing. The usual scenario here is that potted trees without a home become neglected and die, or a small bed full of large trees gets cut down, composted or burnt.
When Planting Isn't an Option: Alternative Solutions for Unused Saplings
Ultimately, there is one practical solution to unwanted saplings - uprooting, shredding and composting. Harsh as it may seem, this is the reality of dealing with raising trees, particularly if not enough thought has been given to their end use. For some people, this seems like a terrible waste of life, not to mention effort and the ruin of good intentions. But again, we need to think of the bigger picture; almost all trees share the same strategy in reproduction through producing vast quantities of seed.
This seed is often eaten by animals or is distributed to places completely unsuited to germination. If a seed manages to germinate, then the battle continues as more predators are out to eat delicious young tree saplings. Even if a tree makes it past the grazers, it is completely restricted by the location of its germination and establishment.
Explore additional alternatives: Consider other options for finding homes for unused saplings, such as local community organisations, schools, or parks departments.
Online platforms: Utilise online platforms and social media groups dedicated to tree planting and environmental initiatives to connect with individuals or organisations in need of trees.
Collaborate with tree planting initiatives: Reach out to established tree planting initiatives or conservation groups that may have ongoing projects in need of tree donations or volunteers.
Educate the community: Raise awareness about the importance of tree planting and the potential consequences of not finding suitable homes for saplings within the community. Host workshops or educational events to engage community members in tree-planting efforts.
Consider long-term solutions: Develop long-term plans for managing excess saplings, such as establishing community tree nurseries or working with local governments to implement planting programs in public spaces.
If a tree can’t find its spot, where does hope take root? Source: George Bakos / Unsplash.
So, although it is generous to give a tree a helping hand in its battle for reproduction, terminating the life of a handful of young saplings is a small setback, particularly if you are successful in establishing some others. And, if the saplings are composted rather than burnt, you have at least managed to successfully lock up some carbon from the atmosphere into the soil. Ultimately, having a go at some seed saving and tree raising is interesting, educational and fun.
But, if you want to go further and deal with saplings, think carefully about how you will manage them and be prepared for termination. If you have the space and intention to raise trees from seed properly, then think about registration and potential methods of marketing and distribution. If you want to contribute to the process of raising and planting trees for their multiple benefits but lack the space and time, consider supporting our work instead. If you want first to know more about us and how we care for our trees, check out these resources:
In addition, here are some practical and actionable things you can do:
Support tree planting initiatives: Consider donating to or volunteering with local tree planting organisations or environmental groups like 9Trees that work to plant and maintain trees in your community.
Advocate for green spaces: Champion the preservation and expansion of green spaces in your area by supporting policies and initiatives that prioritise tree planting and environmental conservation.
Educate others: Share information about the benefits of tree planting and environmental stewardship with friends, family, and colleagues to inspire collective action and awareness.
Participate in tree planting events: Events or community clean-up efforts can contribute directly to greening initiatives in your neighbourhood.
Lead by example: Take proactive steps to plant and care for trees on your property, whether it's a backyard garden or a small urban plot, to demonstrate the importance of individual action in cultivating a greener future.
By Lyndall Merry, edited by Neil Insh.