Florida Arbor Day is celebrated on the third Friday in January. National Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday in April. It is a special day created to recognize the importance of trees. Studies have shown that looking at trees can lower blood pressure and muscle tension! In fact, the Japanese practice of shinrin yoku, or Forest Bathing, has been shown to improve feelings of happiness and boost the immune system. Forest bathing is simply spending time under a canopy of trees and immersing oneself in the surroundings of a forest with all five senses. According to the Cleveland Clinic, time spent among the trees in a forest may help to improve one's overall health, both mentally and physically. Trees beautify our landscape and keep us cooler. They help to reduce noise by absorbing sound. They also increase property value. Trees are sometimes referred to as "the lungs of the planet" because of the oxygen they provide to other living things.
If you are looking to plant a tree this Spring for yourself or as a memorial to a loved one, check out the North Central Florida Tree List provided by the University of Florida. When considering the tree's placement, keep in mind that your little sapling may grow big enough to interfere with power lines or cover up a window of your home giving burglars an opportunity to break in. A tree should be planted at least fifteen feet away from the foundation of a home. Roots can grow beyond the tree's crown - even up to 3 times the crown's width!
Nowadays, one can find just about any tree for sale online as an alternative to visiting the local nursery. Here are some suggestions:
The Arbor Day Foundation offers to send out 10 free trees to everyone who signs up as a member.
Fast Growing Trees will help you find the perfect tree for your landscape.
PlantingTree will send out trees with developed root systems that are ready to plant.
Home Depot also has an online nursery.
For more information about the benefits of trees and tree planting, click on the book covers below. The library eSource World Book offers a wealth of information on different types of trees.
