Our Valuable Trees
Fall & Winter Gardening Tips
Replace tired petunias with bright pansies, snapdragons, calendulas, and stock for garden color this fall and winter. Prune dogwood, walnut, birch, and maple trees now, as they won’t bleed sap at this time of year. Plant cover crops like crimson clover and fava beans in areas of the garden that have finished producing for the summer to enrich the soil over winter.
Divide overgrown perennials that bloomed in the spring or early summer and consider planting new varieties. Fall is an ideal time to plant trees, shrubs, ground covers, and bulbs—take advantage of the pleasant weather during the fall planting season.
The Value of Trees
Trees act as living umbrellas, protecting us from the elements, cleaning the air and water, and enhancing well-being. They provide critical air quality benefits, including oxygen production through photosynthesis. A healthy 30-foot-tall tree produces about 260 pounds of oxygen annually, while a typical person consumes 386 pounds per year—meaning two medium-sized trees can supply enough oxygen for one person.
Trees also remove pollutants like sulfur dioxide from the air, absorbing them through their leaves and transferring them into the soil. They play a key role in mitigating climate change by storing carbon dioxide, the primary greenhouse gas, in their trunks, branches, leaves, and roots. Additionally, trees near buildings reduce the need for heating and air conditioning, lowering emissions from power plants. For example, Sacramento’s urban forest of six million trees removes approximately 335,000 tons of atmospheric carbon dioxide annually.
The benefits of trees are directly tied to their size—larger trees provide greater advantages. To maximize their impact, select trees that fit the available space, ensuring they remain healthy and vigorous. Fall is an excellent time to plant trees, as warm soil encourages root growth into native soil. A tree planted in fall will establish itself better and grow larger and faster the following summer compared to one planted in spring. By planting the right tree in the right place and providing proper long-term care, you contribute to the environment while enjoying cleaner air and improved comfort.