Trees,Can't Live Without Them.

The long range weather forecast is predicting snow. SNOW! When I first moved to Thunder Bay, for at least the first 3 years, it snowed on Samhain, aka, Halloween. Since then we usually don't get any snow until late November or early December. Of course, the snow usually remains and grows until April. So an early October snowfall is not welcomed. Unless the temperatures are rapidly dropping and your tender plants need the protection. It is all a matter of perspective, if we use only a human-centered point of view, we ask for conditions that may seriously harm our food supply and the ecosystem that it relies upon. Blue skies, bright sun and no rain are wonderful but if that is the only weather we get, then food and water will be in short supply and very expensive.

Last week we began a look at trees and their role in our food production system. Both conifers and deciduous trees are more than timber. They help prevent soil erosion and store water and the sun's energy through photosynthesis. Some refer to the tropical rainforests as the lungs of the planet, although I believe there are other factors that must be considered, rainforests do play a tremendous role and we need to do what we can to help stop their destruction.

Take a walk around your neighbourhood and look at the trees. Think about where they are located and, especially look at spots where there are no trees. Perhaps, you could get a tree plating committee together and fill in the blanks. Trees provide shelter and food for birds and other wildlife, including people. Imagine a city street lined with fruit trees. You could pick a snack as you walked along.

Trees play important roels in your home design. They will act as windbreaks protectin your house from the full force of cold winter winds and thereby reducing your heating bill. They can provide shade and a cooling effect in summer as well.

Take a walk around your property. How many trees do you have and where are they located? Could you plant more? Where and what trees best grow in your zone. If you don't know take a trip to the library and find out. Consider adding one tree to your land, perhaps an apple or pear tree or an oak or maple. It's all up to you.

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