The Arbor Day Foundation partners with Taking Root through its CommuniTree program in Nicaragua. A certified Plan Vivo project, its model has been used as a best-practice reforestation solution by organizations including the United Nations and the European Union and has become the largest reforestation initiative in Nicaragua. Taking Root wants to create a more sustainable future by restoring forest ecosystems with smallholder farmers. This is done by connecting impact buyers to farmers on the ground and creating financial incentives for farmers to grow trees. Those farmers are helping to gro ..read more

(Acer saccharum) Best known for its syrup, the sugar maple supports one of the largest industries in the United States, producing nearly two million gallons of maple syrup every year valued between $29 and $42 million. This tree is so popular that several states have even claimed it as their state tree, including New York, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Vermont. Aside from its reputation of being a major source of syrup, the sugar maple is a source of other things. Historically, the ashes of sugar maple were used for soap-making, and consuming the syrup was said to help in kidney and liver pro ..read more

The why, the where, and the what of successful tree planting Trees offer many benefits to homeowners and the communities in which they live, from shade and beauty to privacy, windbreak, and lower energy bills. But these benefits are only enjoyed when you plant the right tree in the right place. That’s because the space we have available for new trees often dictates how well that tree will grow and how it will be managed over time. Matching the attributes of a species to the limitations of your site will ultimately determine how well your new tree delivers the benefits you wanted from you ..read more

Summers are getting warmer and warmer. One great way to beat the heat is by strategically planting trees that are drought-tolerant and provide great shade. Here are 10 drought-tolerant shade trees that will keep you cool and green up to your landscape. 1. Eastern Redcedar Juniperus virginiana The eastern redcedar tree is a common sight throughout most of the plains states and eastern United States on road cuts, in fence rows and scattered across abandoned fields—especially where limestone soils are present. It is an aromatic tree, with reddish wood giving off the scent of cedar chests and cr ..read more

In 2006, the world witnessed many extraordinary events. The Davinci Code hit the theaters, social media sites like Twitter had just launched their platforms, and the UN was celebrating just the second Global Day of Action as part of the Global Climate Campaign. It was also the same year that Enterprise Rent-A-Car and the Arbor Day Foundation had established one of the most ambitious tree-planting partnerships in history: the Enterprise 50 Million Tree Pledge. As part Enterprise’s 50th anniversary, the company set out on a 50-year journey to plant 1 million trees each year, totaling in at 50 m ..read more

Since 1930, approximately 6 million acres of land in the United States have been disturbed by surface mining. When these areas are not properly restored — as has commonly been the case — a ripple effect of detrimental impacts begins to unravel on the environment. Compacted soil, lack of native tree coverage, and problematic invasive species to name a few. These unwanted environmental effects plague these kinds of lands, and it is pertinent to today’s climate concerns that this healing process begins immediately. In West Virginia’s Kanawha County, a former surface mine area spanning about 5,00 ..read more

Travelers will tell you – every community has a different atmosphere. Through the different landscapes, buildings, and faces, our lives are molded by the environments in which we surround ourselves. That is why we believe that trees have the ability to make a positive impact on the people of each and every community. Trees provide a strong defense against storm damage for residents, reduce temperatures in severely heated areas, and can nourish a community by providing fresh fruit, nuts, and other nutritional foods. However, each area’s unique needs dictate a unique solution.  Due to a de ..read more

Today we celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity — often simply called Biodiversity Day. The UN established this day as a way of increasing understanding and awareness of issues facing biodiversity around the globe, and this year’s theme is “We’re part of the solution #ForNature.” As each of us are part of the solution, so are trees. Healthy forests, whether in natural or urban spaces, are key to the health of some of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world. Tree Planting in Support of Biodiversity In my role as Manager of Forest Restoration Programs for the Arbor Day Fou ..read more

The changing climate and unpredictable weather patterns have added extra stress to plants and trees. The bouts of heat in between cold spells and long-periods without precipitation has made it hard for trees to adapt and survive. Some trees are hardier than others and have adjusted just fine. One way to avoid unnecessary stress on trees is to plant the right species for your area and opt for trees that handle some of the more extreme weather patterns you may experience. These four rugged trees thrive well in warmer climates and are drought-tolerant. Arizona Cypress Cupressus arizonica As the ..read more

Autumn is “leaf season,” nature’s annual color festival. Environmental factors and the genetic makeup of the trees determine the intensity and times of peak color, with factors varying from tree to tree and region to region. Here are 8 of our favorite trees for fall color. These trees will also provide spring color, shade, privacy, and wildlife habitat. Black Tupelo Nyssa sylvatica Called “one of the best and most consistent native trees for fall color” by tree expert Michael Dirr, the black tupelo is a terrific landscaping choice. Displaying various hues of yellow, orange, bright red and p ..read more