Tracing Roots and Planting Trees: Leaving a Positive Mark on the Environment

Trees have always played a vital part in the continued health of the planet. Even before the early ancestors of mankind descended from the branches, people have relied on trees for homes, sources of food, and oxygen. Today, humans are more plentiful than ever before. As civilization continues to develop, it's important not to neglect the plants which facilitate that growth. Whether it's looking after physical trees or paying homage to the branches of our heritage, trees continue to have an important role in daily life.

Tree Identification

There are thousands of different types of trees, and all of them have characteristics unique to their particular species. There are, however, some easy ways to quickly identify the general type of a tree. Deciduous trees are marked by large, wide leaves, most of which are shed with the cooler temperatures of autumn. Coniferous trees, by contrast, keep their leaves year-round. Their leaves are generally smaller and more slender, and may even be needle-like.

Different types of trees require different types of care. Trees lining a city street, for example, will need to have their branches trimmed so as not to interfere with power lines. Backyard trees may need to be trimmed if they're growing large enough to threaten roofs or other trees. Occasionally, a tree will contract a disease. When this happens, the tree may need to be completely removed in order to preserve the health of any surrounding vegetation. Heavy storms often result in partially broken branches, which then die and become brittle. Removing these limbs can actually help the tree heal from the trauma, therefore preserving the plant.

Tracing Your Family Tree

Tending to physical trees is only one way to honor the planet's history. Tracing the roots of a family tree can be just as rewarding, and can strengthen an individual's understanding of their heritage. One of the easiest ways to begin is to compile any existing knowledge about a particular family. By knowing where the trail ends, it is easier to begin research. Amateur genealogists may also find it helpful to actively record any new information on paper or in a computer document. As the search continues, the image of a family tree will begin to naturally form.

Caring for Trees

Family trees are just as important as the trees in a nearby park. Both are required to help form a more comprehensive view of the world and to appreciate that world in greater detail. Tree farmers and home gardeners alike will find it useful to know how to remove stumps, trim branches, and, if necessary, fell trees strategically. In certain areas, a permit may be required before any work can be completed, so be sure to check first. With a little maintenance and thought, trees can provide support and beauty for the communities they live in for many generations to come.