Tree Talk

Okay, so my head doesn't want me to lay down and relax and, really, I haven't even put that movie I was talking about in yet, but at least I'm in bed. This is why we should disable our wireless haha. While I was showering, my mind got to wandering about some things that my husband and I have planned for the upcoming year. We are currently renting a little house and the owners are pretty lenient on what we can and can't do and because they've been so nice and so helpful we made a secret promise to leave the property in better shape than we got it. So we have been talking a lot about landscaping. There is only one tree-bush-thingy in the yard, and it's one of those that was planted to cover up where telephone pole wires come down. I haven't seen it in the spring yet, but so far it ain't pretty. So after we do some more research, and after we get direct permission from our landlords, we will be doing some landscaping!

The current plan is one tree in the back yard (maybe 2), potentially another in the front, and maybe some low shrubs. Our little house just looks sad to me, and I think some greenery will really help liven it up. Trees also add to property values, reduce heating and cooling costs, are good for the air, and prevent soil erosion. I honestly had no clue where to start researching, and Google quickly pointed me to a wonderful resource. The Arbor Day Foundation not only has lots of information about what trees grow best in different areas, as well as maintenance and benefits, but they also sell trees directly! The best part? If you become a member for $10, they will send you 10 free trees that are between 6 and 12 inches tall! (Note: the free trees are of the site's choosing, although you get to pick from a list based on your climate type) AND you can purchase additional trees and shrubs for a discount. Honestly, for the $10, since trees can be very pricy, I'd be willing to snag my 10, plant what I will use, and then donate the rest to either the city, a park, a school, our church, or even family and friends. All while supporting a wonderful charity. And, I know that once we buy our own house we will be planting more trees, and can use this site as a resource. Seriously, even if we lived in the middle of a forest, my husband would ask to plant more trees. He has a nature obsession. The first thing he says about anywhere we go is either "Ah, they have trees!" or "I don't like it here - no trees."

If you care to donate, but don't have anywhere to store 10 6-12 inch tall trees before donating them somewhere, or don't have anyone to donate to, then you can opt to have the foundation plant 10 trees in a forest in need in your honor. Either way, you're still helping out the planet.
 
We haven't decided where exactly the tree will go, since we don't know where pipes are underground, so we also don't know what type since the location will determine height and width. But I'm very excited! In addition to the greenery, I'm also planning on adding some flowers along the one side of the house, so hopefully our house will brighten up! Although this does all mean I need to start working on that composter...but that's not until February! If I can wait that long...

I love willows. Although I don't think one would fit on our property. One day...