Plant a Tree and Retree the World

There has never been a better time to plant a tree! From their invaluable role in fighting climate change and cleaning the air of our cities, to the huge mental health benefits being around their leafy presence can bring, trees are at the very centre of both our urban and rural ecosystems.

Written by Ben Raskin, head of horticulture at the Soil Association, and supported by Friends of the Earth UK, this earthy call-to-action teaches the practical how-tos alongside the most interesting insights to appreciate about the significance of magnificent trees.

As movements to rewild the world around us gain pace, tree planting is being recognised as an empowering, practical and surprisingly simple action that each and every one of us can do in our backyard, park, local community, school, town or city.

Sections in this book include:

• Trees and the World – This sectioncelebrates just how vital trees are, from how they help regulate the climate and absorb dangerous methane and nitrous oxide, to how they enrich soil, support wildlife and keep our city air clean, as well as the threats they face from climate change.
• Growing Your Own Tree – Tips on growing saplings from seed, cuttings or grafting, plus guidance on care and maintenance, from weeding and mulching to when to prune and pollard.
• Forty Best Trees – A guide to the top40 of our favourite trees, appreciated for their fruit and nuts, their ornamental value and the role they play in supporting wildlife, including a neat introduction to how to recognise trees by their leaf shape, flowers, seeds and fruit.
• Trees and Happiness – Research has revealed that trees are effective at reducing stress levels and improving our mental well-being, and this section digs into exactly how this happens.

Whether you’re a keen gardener, an avid environmental activist or simply want to learn more about these beautiful and powerful organisms, this must-read book illustrated by popular screen-printerRosanna Morris sends the powerful message that we can plant a tree & retree the world!

Contents: Introduction 6

1 TREES AND THE WORLD
Trees and the Climate 14
Trees, Soil and Fungi 20
Trees and Wildlife 26
Agroforestry 32

2 TREES AND HAPPINESS
Shade and Shelter 42
Trees and Pollution 46
Why Climbing Trees is Good for You 50
Expanding Tree-based Play 52
Trees and Mental Health 54
Community and Reduced Crime 58

3 GROWING TREES
Raising Your Own Trees 64
Growing Apple Trees on Their Own Roots 68
How to Plant a Tree 70
Keeping Your Tree Healthy 74
Using Woodchip in Your Garden 76

4 THE FORTY BEST TREES
Maple
Alder
Banksia
Birch
Bottlebrush
Chestnut
Bean Tree
Cedar
Cercis
Dogwood
Hazel
Hawthorn
Handkerchief
Gum Tree
Spindle
Beech
Fig
Ash
Honey Locust
Holly
Walnut
Magnolia
Apple
Redwood
Mulberry
Ironwood
Pine
Plane
Aspen
Almond
Cherry
Plum
Pear
Oak
Mangrove
Black Locust
Willow
Elder
Sorbus
Elm

Guide to Tree Identification 160

5 TREES AND THE ECONOMY
Buy Wood to Save the World 166
Working With Trees 170

Further Reading 173
Index 174
Acknowledgments 176