7 Ways to Plant Trees When You Don’t Own Land

The word is out: the planet needs trees. However many state and national parks seem to exist, we have cleared and developed so much land that we have to start making an effort to plant more trees. We especially need them in those developed places where many more people are looking for food, breathing the air, and yearning for nature.

The problem is that many of us don’t have a plot of land to plant trees on. We either have apartments or tiny terraces or hardly more than a patch of grass to enjoy. Where are we supposed to plant trees, even if we want to do it? Luckily, there are solutions to this problem because where there is a gardener, there is a way.

So, read on with an open mind and excited heart. It’s time to join the chorus of tree huggers and add your efforts to the joy. And, options abound. Options abound!

Give Plants/Trees as Gifts

No one wants to give unwanted gifts, so it’s prudent to do a little homework before giving someone a tree for their birthday. However, isn’t that just something lovely to do? They make great presents, especially productive trees that might provide some fruit or berries down the line. Another nice sentiment is to gift a tree, rather than a flower arrangement, as a memorial. Then, the memory can live for years to come.

Source: Brighton Permaculture Trust/YouTube

Establish a Community Orchard

There is a lot of public land available for those willing to put the energy out to use it and care for it. Many towns and schools would love to have community orchards. They have access to parks and playgrounds. They are always looking for outreach projects to get children and/or neighbors involved. They simply need someone willing to set it up. Hello!

Organize an Arbor Day Event

The good people at the Arbor Day Foundation are all about planting trees, and they have oodles of materials and support for people who want to plan events. They can help with fundraising ideas, scheduling, and examples of previous programs. Not only is this a great way for you to plant trees without owning land, but it also raises awareness for the need to do so.

Donate/Volunteer with a Non-Profit

Numerous non-profits are geared towards planting trees, so helping them is a means of planting trees for the good of all. One Tree Planted, Trees for the Future, International Tree Foundation, and Neighborhood Forest are only a few of the good programs for planting trees. Also, Ecosia is a free search engine to use, and it donates to planting trees for every search you do. They use 80% of their financing for tree-planting projects.

Rent/Borrow a Space from a Friend, Family, or Neighbor

Plenty of people out there have land that they own but don’t use, and when asked nicely, particularly by someone they know, they are generous with the space. Vegetable gardens require frequent attention, but little orchards can be visited every so often and kept very nice. Offer to keep up with the trees, promising to share the bounty when it comes, and someone might love the idea.

Source: Growing In The Garden/YouTube

Use Containers

If sunny windows, a nice balcony, or a rooftop terrace is available, there are a lot of trees that can be grown in pots. Dwarf varieties can even be trimmed and maintained as great houseplants. Some great options are citrus trees and other specialty fruit trees (patio peaches, sweet cherries, and figs). Container trees require more care than those planted out, but they are also easier to deal with in terms of pests, diseases, and pruning.

Go Guerilla Gardening

While there is no guarantee that guerilla gardening will stay in place, it might. It’s also fun to go a bit maverick, beautify an empty lot, and see what happens. If you know of a place that has simply been left to become a trash heap with weeds, why not find some inexpensive trees or seeds to put in the ground and see if they can care for a little? Serious projects have materialized from such shenanigans. Just don’t get yourself in trouble.

Hey, why not do a few or all of these options? Even if you do have the land to plant trees, it never hurts to put a few more in the ground. It’s a fun hobby that does some good for people and the planet.

Related Content:

• Planting Trees on Earth Day: How You Can Make a Positive Impact
• 25 Plants and Trees That Prevent Other Plants from Growing
• We Are Planting Trees Wrong
• Planting Trees in the Fall: How, When, Which, and Why You Should!
• How to Plant Your Own Peach Tree

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