Make a Tree Garden
Objective: Students will evaluate an area of land and select suitable trees for planting.
Supplies:
- 1 set of Mighty Trees tree cards.
- 1 area in need of a few good trees.
- A few willing seedlings for planting (Check local nurseries for donations/discounts, ask for donations to beautify grounds (PTSA, local groups, etc.)
- Some shovels and dirt
Procedure:
- Find a nearby area in need of some trees.
- Have the students study the area for a day, week or even month.
- Students should evaluate the soil moisture level of the area. Is it submerged when it rains, does it dry quickly after a rain, how close is the nearest stream or lake. Consider having the students keep a journal on the moisture observations.
- Students should determine the hardiness zone of the area.
- Students should answer the following questions about the area: Is the area in the sun, is it in the shade, is it protected from strong winds or exposed to salt?
- With all of the data gathered have the students sort through the tree cards to find the trees capable of growing on the site.
- Look through the suitable trees and determine which best suit your needs. Do you want trees that grow quickly, evergreen trees, big trees, long-lived trees, hickories, oaks etc.
- Contact your local nurseries and see which of the trees you desire are available.
- Plant the trees on the site. Be sure to make a big event out of the planting and be sure to space the trees adequately. Trees planted to closely will begin competing with one another for nutrients as they grow and mature (just like Mighty Trees!).