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Thursday, October 16, 2014

Info Post
By Patty Goff


'Tree-huggers' are proud of this label. They promote the natural balance of the planet, and nothing is more important to this goal than trees. Gifts for tree huggers can therefore be anything that celebrates the planet, nature, and any one of more than 10,000 species of tree. There are also specialized items with the Hugger theme.

There are many reasons why trees are so significant. They clean the air by removing carbon dioxide and other noxious gases, as well as trapping particulates (pollutants like smog, smoke, and dust). Many scientists believe that human life could not exist without the forests of the world. They also add moisture to the air.

They clean the soil, which many people don't know. Planting trees on soils tainted with industrial waste can reclaim it, as toxins are absorbed by the roots and stored in the wood. They build soil by dropping leaves or needles and pulling important nutrients from subsoil deep underneath the ground. The roots also stabilize the ground, keeping precious topsoil from washing away when it rains.

Trees are very beneficial in saving energy. A windbreak planted behind houses or along fence lines can keep soil from drying out and blowing away, keep snow from drifting to block roads or other access, and keep winter winds from making it harder to heat a home. A large canopy, like a maple or oak, will cast shade which can cut air conditioning cost by as much as 30 percent. Trees add value to property for these reasons and because they are a beautiful part of the landscape.

One large trunk, branch, and root complex, like a majestic oak, will trap hundreds of gallons of water a year, which replenishes the groundwater which people draw on when they have a well. It also allows rainwater to seep into the ground slowly and maintain water levels in rivers and lakes. Paved surfaces like roads, parking lots, and driveways, in contrast, send the rainwater off into storm drains or run-offs.

Every trunk, branch, and twig is home to familiar wildlife, like birds and squirrels, and myriads of insects, frogs, lizards, and snakes people may never see. All the things trees do to benefit living things makes a wide variety of gifts appropriate to anyone who truly appreciates these gentle living giants.

T-shirts, hats, windbreakers, sweatshirts, and garden aprons are decorated with trees or their many associates. Garden sculptures, like the Green Man, depict woodland sprites and spirits that man has always imagined inhabiting woodlands. Designs range from a stylized Tree of Life to scenes of forested lakeshore or mountainside. Brilliant fall leaves, even more colorful butterflies, tree-frogs, and delicate spiderwebs decorate coffee mugs, mouse pads, screen savers, yard flags, and calendars. Paintings and photographs of natural scenes make thoughtful and appreciated gifts.

Perhaps a donation to the Arbor Day foundation or trees planted in someone's honor would be perfect. Go online to see how many gift ideas are out in cyberspace, ready to be brought home to nature lovers everywhere. Seasonal or one-of-a-kind hanging ornaments are another way to recognize their passion. Some items are directly targeted to this group of people, while others relate to the whole natural world.




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