We are fortunate to live in an area so abundantly filled with fields and forests of green. One only needs to look around to see the prominence of beautiful greenery in North Grenville, and the presence of the Ferguson Forest Centre in Kemptville only serves to heighten interest in sustainable forestry.
It was not so long ago that I was working in a kindergarten classroom when the subject of trees came up. The young children were asked by their teacher if they knew the benefits that trees provide to humans and vice versa, and, to my pleasant surprise, many did. The relationship between humans and trees is so wholesome in its simplicity – humans consume oxygen and expel carbon dioxide, while trees consume carbon dioxide and expel oxygen. It is a perfect balance, but only if there are enough trees. Humans produce carbon dioxide, but so do many human-produced machines, such as cars, furnaces that run on gas, oil, or propane, heavy machinery, and more.
According to one study cited by the Ferguson Forest Centre, 20 million trees can absorb 1.6 million tons of carbon, which is equal to the amount produced by 1.24 million gasoline powered cars over the course of a year. It is therefore no surprise that the journey toward a cleaner, more sustainable environment should absolutely include the planting of as many trees as possible.
In addition to the environmental benefits of tree planting, there are many lesser-known benefits as well. Trees lower the air temperature around them by blocking the sun’s radiation. They can prevent flooding by consuming water from heavy rainfalls – large trees can consume up to 100 gallons per day. Trees also act as habitats for wildlife, and help to improve soil quality as falling leaves provide fertilization.
When discussing the benefits of planting millions of trees, a contribution of just one tree, or a few trees, can seem insignificant, but it is not. Every little bit helps, and trees add beauty to landscaping and provide shade for outdoor gatherings, and for children and pets to play.
The Ferguson Tree Nursery’s Outlet Store is now open, but for three weekends only, Thursday to Saturday, starting August 18, and ending September 4. The sale features native and non-invasive naturalized tree species, trees, shrubs, and perennials from known seed sources, starters and 1-5 gallon pot sizes, books, and planting tools and resources. The Outlet Store provides a great opportunity to start or continue a treeplanting journey for a fair price. The Outlet Store is located at 275 County Road 44 in Kemptville.
For more information, visit www.fergusontreenursery.ca.
