Authored by Suzanne Alicie in Gardening
Published on 09-18-2009

Many of us would like for our children to enjoy gardening and growing things as much as we do. Children don’t usually have the patience required for tending flower beds or generally anything that requires more than sticking something in the ground. Which is why planting trees is a good thing for children to do. A tree planted when they are young will be something for your children to show and tell their children about years from now.

Trees generally grow quite easily, and can be started from seed or by purchasing bare root trees. If you are going to let your child plant a tree that has started from seed, you must first start the seed in a container, and then move it to the ground. Bare root trees are ready to be planted and don’t need much more than good soil and water. There are many different varieties of trees that do well in different areas, but choosing a hardy, long lasting tree that will be around to provide shade and tree houses for grandchildren is easy.

Willow trees are very easy to get a start off of. By cutting a branch that is about a year old and placing it in a bucket of water for a few weeks you will have a bare root tree ready to plant. These trees grow rather quickly and will become strong and large. Beware of planting them too close to your home because their roots spread far.

Maple trees produce thousands of tiny “helicopter” seeds each year. By planting a pair of these seeds in a container, and providing plenty of water and sunlight you can start a tree for your child to plant in the ground. Maples are hardy, cold resistant, and will grow tall and strong. Your child will be amazed that their tree grew from one of the helicopters they enjoy throwing around.

Decorative trees such as Japanese maple or golden chain trees can be purchased at a nursery as a bare root tree. Planting is easy and they don’t require much attention for a few years. However decorative trees will eventually need to be pruned and shaped, so even though your child may plant it, you can pretty much guarantee you will be taking care of it.

Planting a tree and watching it grow is an excellent way to involve your child in your love of nature and gardening, and can be an educational experience. The child can be taught about why they are planting that type of tree, due to climate, soil, and space allowances. The child can be shown how the tap root on a bare root tree will soak up the nutrients needed to make the tree grow and the leaves turn green. Watching the tree grow over several years will give a child appreciation for the good things that come to those who wait. As the child gets older they may develop an interest in the flowerbeds or garden and join you in one of your favorite hobbies, all because you helped them plant a tree.