How to Plant a Tree with Children

The inspiration for this article is to help motivate others to teach a child the love of nature and earth and to help them understand the significance of forming a caring connection to both. Children need to learn connect with the natural world at an early age. However, it is never too late to begin to teach a child the marvels and love of nature and the ways we can help benefit the earth. Note:AgiLIFE Extention services of Texas A&M University has an excellent piece by Douglas F. Welsh, Landscape Horticulturist, on how to plant a tree, I suggest one read before beginning. You will find a link below this article.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Tree
• Shovel

1. First, explain to the child all the benefits to planting a tree: shade in which to relax or play, the beautifying of one's surroundings, a home for birds and other animals, as well as the benefits to the earth. Then decide together where you want to plant the tree. Let the child or children help choose the tree, matching the growing requirements of the tree with where you plan to plant it. Preferably, choose a local species. Aquire the tree through a local grower, nursery or home and garden center.
2. Briefly go over the steps of planting a tree as well as the requirements of this special tree you are planting together moisture, sunlight, soil preference, then gather all the materials and plant that tree with the child or children. Let the child or children help dig the hole and plant the tree.
3. Even the process of digging the hole is important to share with the child, as this can become a huge adventure and learning process for a young person! The work involved is only the beginning. As you dig, you will undoubtedly run across a variety of soils, rocks and insects. Stop and let the child examine each new discovery and discuss each one as the child desires.
4. Plant the tree following the directions provided in the link below. Be sure to remind the child that planting a tree is only the beginning, as the tree will need care, especially thefirst year or so after planting, such as watering and watching for insect and disease infestation.
5. When the process is complete, together you will have learned much, as well as formed or expanded a lasting bond to one another as well as nature!

Tips & Warnings

• Find other nature activities to share with a child.
• You may also order a tree over the internet or ask a neighbor if they have a tree that they would care to give you. (Take care in digging up a tree to move.)