By Mike McQuaide, Sustainable Newton Board Member ![]() Here's a little good news to share... I recently had an arborist come out to our home in Oxford to check on our sickly elm tree to see if it could be saved. Thankfully, it can be. But, that’s only part of the good news. When the arborist finished diagnosing the elm, he walked around to our large front yard and mentioned the space “would be perfect for some trees.” He volunteered that Emory University had not been able to meet its goals for no net loss of trees on property owned by the university. And, as a result, Emory was looking for nearby property owners interested in having trees planted on their property for free. Both the trees and the planting are courtesy of Emory. The university had expanded the area on which it plants to compensate for trees lost elsewhere on Emory property. So, my wife and I will have two new oak trees native to Georgia planted in our front yard free of charge. The program is closed now, since enough people have now volunteered to have trees planted on their property. But, I have say "way to go Emory" as we continue to create practices to address global climate change. I was pleased to learn our sickly elm needed only a little "hair cut" to restore its vitality. I’ve had a special relationship with trees since I was a boy. We know the environmental benefits of tree cover, but I’ve long appreciated trees in a more sentimental fashion that goes beyond the science of the matter. As a young boy, my mother’s father took me on long hikes in the Pennsylvania forest near his home. His narration about the importance of trees is with me to this day. He taught me to identify the different bird songs in the leaves overhead, how to locate wild bee hives in the high branches, and how much cooler it was in the shade than in the direct sun. Thanks, granddad. Preserving existing trees and planting new ones are steps anyone can take to address climate change and reduce heat islands in our cities. Sustainable Newton is pleased the non-profit One Tree Planted will plant a tree for each attendee at our November 21 "24 Hours of Reality - Truth in Action" presentation -- and each of the other 1,000+ sessions worldwide that day.
13 Comments
10/3/2022 10:28:14 pm
Thanks for providing the links. Anyone can help address climate change and reduce heat by preserving existing trees and planting new ones.
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10/23/2023 04:55:44 am
Utilizing mulch is another strategy to speed up the growth of your tree. Under your tree's canopy, two to three inches of organic mulch will work wonders. Mulch is beneficial because it enhances soil texture, controls weed growth, and cools the soil. Make sure to replenish it frequently, and you'll undoubtedly notice a difference in how quickly your tree's root systems grow and, consequently, how quickly your tree expands.
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1/8/2024 03:09:25 am
It's heartening to hear about the positive impact of tree planting initiatives in Oxford. The story of your sickly elm being saved and the addition of two new oak trees in your front yard, courtesy of Emory University, is a wonderful example of community and environmental collaboration.
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1/17/2024 09:30:07 am
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1/20/2024 05:40:20 am
Your personal connection to trees and the sentimental value they hold is touching. It's a reminder of the profound impact trees can have on our lives beyond their environmental benefits. Cheers to the positive outcome for your elm and the upcoming addition of new oak trees!
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1/22/2024 07:02:10 am
What a positive and uplifting experience with the arborist and Emory University! It's fantastic to see efforts to save your elm and the additional gesture of planting two oak trees in your front yard. A testament to the importance of local community involvement in environmental conservation.
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1/31/2024 08:13:50 am
This is a wonderful tale of renewal and connection to nature. Thanks for sharing your personal memories and the positive outcome for your elm tree. It's inspiring to see communities and institutions like Emory University coming together to make a positive impact on the environment.
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2/5/2024 02:05:24 am
This is a delightful story – thanks for sharing! The personal connection to trees and the positive resolution for your elm tree, along with Emory University's commitment to tree planting, showcases the importance of both individual care and community initiatives for environmental well-being.
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2/5/2024 02:14:30 am
What a positive and uplifting story! Emory's tree-planting program is commendable, and the personal connection you have with trees, especially through your grandfather's teachings, adds a beautiful layer to the narrative. Thanks for sharing!
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4/2/2024 05:50:10 am
This narrative is both informative and uplifting. The rehabilitation strategy for your elm tree is inspiring, and the joint endeavor with Emory University to plant trees in your front yard at no cost is a commendable initiative for fostering environmental welfare.
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4/3/2024 06:11:56 am
The emotional bond you share with trees and the sentimental value they hold is moving. It serves as a reminder of the significant impact trees can have on our lives, extending beyond their environmental benefits. Here's to the positive outcome for your elm and the anticipation of welcoming new oak trees!
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4/4/2024 11:37:27 pm
What an inspiring and heartening collaboration with the arborist and Emory University! It's truly wonderful to witness the dedication to preserving your elm tree and the thoughtful gesture of planting two oak trees in your front yard. This serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of community engagement in environmental preservation efforts.
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5/6/2024 02:09:36 am
This is heartwarming and inspiring, thanks for sharing! It's wonderful to see initiatives like Emory's tree planting program making a positive impact on the environment.
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