Every week, it appears there’s new climate change news: historic heat in the West; massive floods on the Gulf Coast; early, more powerful hurricanes on the East Coast. And, according to some experts, increased carbon dioxide emissions are to blame for this climate disruption.

Fortunately, there is a powerful weapon at our disposal to assist us in combatting climate change – reforestation. That’s a fancy term for the straightforward act of planting trees. In the fight against global warming, keystone species such as trees are important because they help to save harmful atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Planting Trees in Your Yard

A recent study appearing in the journal Science sponsored by the NASA worldwide climate change project estimated the global potential for reforested areas as a possible approach to mitigating global warming. They discovered that planting more than 500 billion trees throughout the world could reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide by 25%, which is enough to offset 20 years of human-induced carbon emissions at present rates.

“That’s a lot of trees,” you’re thinking. “Is it really helpful to plant a few in my yard?”

Yes, it is. In one year, a single mature tree can remove 48 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere while also providing much-needed oxygen in return, according to the USDA’s Arbor Day Foundation. As a result, each tree planted reduces carbon dioxide emissions and protects the environment. Just think about how much better things would be if everyone on.

The advantages of planting a tree don’t stop there. Trees offer a variety of other advantages, including assisting with stormwater management and erosion control. Their root systems help to stabilize and support the soil while their canopies provide shade and help keep our homes and yards cooler.

Trees are an investment that you must take care of as a homeowner. You have a duty to maintain your home and the surrounding landscape, which includes the trees that grow there. Some homeowners, unfortunately, do not “take notice” of their trees. They typically serve only as a backdrop and attract attention only when they shed their leaves in the fall.

Trees with huge canopies, especially mature trees, might be harder to detect since everything takes place up in the canopy, which is generally 25 or even 50 feet above the ground and requires considerable neck craning to view and inspect. However, those enormous canopies are what make your trees so valuable, so it’s critical to keep them intact.

Being a good tree steward means learning something about them, such as understanding their characteristics:

• How much sunshine do they require to be happy and healthy?
• Will my trees be able to obtain enough water if they grow to become overly large?
• How tall and wide will my trees become? Is there enough space for my trees to grow without creating difficulties in the future, and are they as far away from any boundary lines as possible?
• Do my trees require a lot of maintenance, such as pruning and trimming?

What are the advantages of keeping trees on my property? Is there any other way to improve the value of my land and tree species, perhaps by adding a pond or installing a windmill? What benefits do they give, both in terms of money and in terms of ecological function?

Planting a tree to help the environment isn’t limited to planting one in a hole in the ground. You should consider the resources involved with selecting, transporting, planting, nurturing, and maintaining that tree to ensure it thrives. Is your soil suitable for supporting a fully grown tree or do you need to improve its quality before it may require minimal fertilizer?

Remember, not all trees will grow equally well in your environment. It’s critical to choose compatible trees that will flourish in your area and not because you like how they look. To optimize its prospects for success, select the right tree and put it in the proper position with your local landscape professional, arborist, or garden center.

Even if your yard is small, you can still grow a tree. Small places need more restraint and planning, but the end result can be immensely rewarding: it may offer beauty, space, and tranquility in an area that is already quite confined. Consider enlisting the help of a professional to assist you in making the most of your space.

Trees are a valuable yet under-utilized weapon in the war against climate change. Scientists have a lot to learn about trees and their vital function in nature. One thing is certain, though: the planet could certainly benefit from all of the trees we can grow.