As the saying goes, "from the little acorn the mighty oak does grow." Purchasing a tree from a nursery is great, but the extra effort that goes into growing a tree from a tiny seed can help that tree become cherished by you and your family.
Planting Tree Seeds for Memories
There are special people and pets who played very important roles in our lives, and have passed on. Or your family could have a personal event you would like to always remember, such as a first Christmas, a college graduation, or the day your child came home from the military. Planting tree seeds can create a living reminder lasting many generations. Every time you and your family look at that tree, a unique time in your lives may be remembered.
In nature, tree seeds fall to the ground in the autumn, and stay protected from winter's cold with a coating of fallen leaves. Before planting tree seeds, it is wise to germinate them inside during winter, and plant them in the spring. Try to duplicate the conditions the seeds would be under in the forest. Purdue University has some good tips for how to handle tree seeds while they are germinating, and the University of Wisconsin has a handy chart with schedules for planting tree seeds and the care for various young trees.
When planting tree seeds, choose trees that:
- Are native to your area
- Fit your yard as they are growing--some trees grow very quickly
- Are appropriate for the memento, such as an evergreen for a first Christmas
Planting tree seeds can help the environment, and can produce a regal living memory for your family.
