Creativity & Wonder: Planting a million trees

Yesterday I planted a Forest Pansy Redbud tree as a first step in landscaping redesign around our "new" old back room. I'm dedicating this little tree to the memory of my parents, who were both born in the month of September---a perfect month for planting.
The exterior of the backroom is nearly complete. Building the new steps/stoop will proceed in the next couple of weeks. As the little tree grows, it will provide a bit of shade from morning sun into the breakfast area of the back room, more perching spots for the host of birds and bees who already frequent our garden and a bit more work towards making fresh air for all of us.

Trees renew our air supply by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. The amount of oxygen produced by one acre of trees equals the amount consumed by 18 people annually. Trees lower air temperatures by releasing water vapor through their leaves and shade trees can make buildings up to 20 degrees cooler. Trees also improve water quality by slowing and filtering rain water, as well as protecting aquifers. These are just a few of the benefits that healthy tree communities provide us. ~ Tree Utah


In early Spring, this particular variety of redbud tree produces bright pink blossoms right on the branch, then come the gorgeous purple heart-shaped leaves. As Summer approaches the leaves turn green. In Autumn, the leaves change color again to gold.


The east-facing breakfast area is quickly becoming a favorite of everyone in the household---so nice to face the fresh outdoors in the morning.
For those who aren't allowed to sit at the table, there are other areas in the breakfast room for greeting the new day.
Learn more in general about planting trees and the work of TreeUtah:
We need your help to maintain and increase our community forests. Your membership in TreeUtah will help us to continue to plant, care for and protect your community forests. TreeUtah and Salt Lake County's One Million Trees for One Million People Initiative is continuing to expand our partnership! Click here for more details- One Million Trees for One Million People
If you don't live in Salt Lake County or Utah, check to see what your own community is doing to insure a healthy future full of trees.