On Friday, April 24, it’s National Arbor Day in the U.S. – when everyone gets out gloves and shovels to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. It started 143 years ago when J. Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for planting trees. Thus, Arbor Day was born and has since spread and become a holiday of sorts.
If you own a Quadra-Fire stove, you know how important wood is. This Arbor Day, there are many ways large and small to support the cause. Here are a few ideas to get you started – and there are plenty more on the Arbor Day Foundation’s website here (https://www.arborday.org/celebrate/celebration-ideas.cfm).
Plant a Tree
By planting a tree, you are nurturing the Earth. Through the natural process of photosynthesis, trees absorb CO2 and other pollutant particulates, then store the carbon and emit pure oxygen. That’s good for the environment, people and animals. So this weekend, be part of the solution and plant a tree either in your yard or an approved public place. If you have kids, make it a family affair and get everyone involved! It’s a great learning opportunity for them.
Before choosing a spot for your tree, think about how big it will get. Avoid overhead wires and make sure there’s space for the canopy it will grow eventually. The Arbor Day Foundation offers tips for choosing a tree here and instructions for planting it here.
Participate in a Tree-Centric Event
Take tree planting a step further! Roll up your sleeves this weekend to help as part of an Arbor Day tree planting or pruning event or perhaps a road clean-up project. To find volunteer opportunities where you live, contact your local county, city, or Arboretum. Bring a friend along and make a day of it!
Commit to Heating with Renewable Fuels
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling accounts for 56 percent of energy use in a typical U.S. home. By heating with renewable wood or pellets in a stove or insert, you can help reduce that number and your consumption of fossil fuels. And it’s all about trees…
- Pellets are made from organic waste like compacted sawdust, wood chips, and bark – basically, trees. Since it’s often derived from manufacturing processes that use wood, you’re also turning materials that may otherwise go to a landfill into energy.
- Cordwood is also renewable, derived from forests that replenish year after year. Some wood species are better for heating than others, so think about that when you plant your tree this weekend (see our blog dated Apr. 9 about choosing the best wood species).
At Quadra-Fire, we think trees are incredibly important – so let’s band together on Arbor Day and celebrate trees!
