We all celebrate our birthdays in different ways. Some of us enjoy a nice meal out with family, or perhaps we like to post a fundraiser on our social media platforms, encouraging our followers to donate to a good cause on our special day.
Earlier this week, green-fingered actress-turned-activist Jennifer Garner revealed what she did to celebrate turning 53, with the help of her children and LA Parks Foundation.
Taking to Instagram, in a series of snaps and reels, Jennifer penned: “Two and a half years ago, I reached out to LA Parks Foundation - I had an idea for a birthday project: could my kids and I please plant trees with them?
“Yes, we could. Here are our trees, all grown up, providing shade and making the park prettier. I love trees; trees are my favorite people.”
Jennifer’s inspiring project with the LA Parks Foundation may seem like an unachievable grand gesture, but it’s actually easier than you may first think to go out and make a difference. Why not add trees to your local park, a forest, or even just your backyard?
With insight from arborists and tree experts to help steer you away from tree planting mistakes, here’s all you need to know about planting trees of your own in commemoration of milestones.
Why Plant a Birthday Tree?
There are so many personal reasons why someone may want to plant birthday or commemorative trees, but the most common are to remember loved ones who passed away, to mark some kind of milestone, or to celebrate an occasion.
Mark Brewer, president and co-founder of The Living Urn, specializes in creating biodegradable urns for ashes and tree burial systems. He’s spoken to lots of people seeking to plant trees to commemorate someone they love, and notes there’s a lot to consider when it comes to choosing a tree.
What to Consider When Choosing a Tree
Regardless of whether you’re choosing a tree for a birthday celebration, to commemorate someone who’s passed, or something else entirely, it’s important to think deeply about what kind of trees you wish to grow.
“Think about your loved one and think about where you’ll be planting the tree,” says Mark. “For example, if your loved one adored palm trees, but you live in Minnesota, that changes where you’ll plant the tree.
“Colors are also symbolic; a common memorial tree choice is one with white blossoms, like a flowering white dogwood. Or consider an evergreen or pine tree. They do well in most USDA hardiness zones and have symbolized immortality and eternal life for thousands of years.”
Where Can I Plant My Trees?
It isn’t as simple as just picking somewhere and deciding your trees will be there. But with the right permissions, there are lots of choices available for where you can plant trees that will be loved for up to hundreds of years.
Eric North, urban forestry program manager and ISA certified arborist at Arbor Day Foundation, notes: “People can plant trees on any land they own, and some families might choose a family property like a cabin that passes from generation to generation, so the tree serves as a memorial into the future.
“Planting anywhere other than land you own generally requires a permit or permission and is often associated with a fee and other restrictions as to the available species and exact location.”
Some common places people seek permission to plant their trees in include national and state parks, jungles, golf courses, and cemeteries. To begin seeking permission to do this, it’s best to contact your local council.
Tree Planting Essentials
You need a lot of gear when planting a tree. This little kit is ideal for anyone getting started with a sapling or two.
Starting with a live sapling is the best way to begin growing a tree, as beginning from seed will take a long time to show results.
These simple gardening gloves are incredibly durable and ideal for years of gardening to come.
