How to Plant a Tree: A Simple Celebration of Trees & Tree-Planting Ceremonies

Think for a moment of all the rich spiritual associations we have with trees. Remember "The Giving Tree"? Remember the trees in "Lord of the Rings"? Remember the trees in Winnie the Pooh's world? So many famous trees in the Bible! And, how about the Shaker Tree of Life? Trees planted in Israel? The associations run on and on. Most of the time, we zip past trees at freeway speeds without ever stopping to soak in our natural connection with these giants. If we do stop to contemplate, we quickly discover that loving trees is a deep personal statement about our faith in the future. Whatever your religious affiliation, there's no escaping this truth: Planting a tree is an act of faith. That's why I was immediately drawn to this handy little book, "How to Plant a Tree" by Daniel Butler. He is an environmental writer whose background includes work with England's Tree Council. Americans tend to have so many trees--and so many young trees--that we dismiss the importance of long-term planning for trees and woodlands. One truth that residents of the UK may understand better than Americans is this: We've got to start planting trees somewhere, if we want future generations to enjoy these giants! This little book is exactly what it says: a guide to selecting and planting trees and large shrubs. There's even a section on how to "lay a hedge." What makes this book unique? It's not all horticulture. Sections of this book offer tips about connecting trees with our human rites of passage, including: engagement, marriage, births, anniversaries. Are you part of a small group? As a longtime small-group leader myself, I can envision a wonderful 4-to-8-week series using this book as a basis for reflection, memory, sharing of stories--and even going out as a group and planting some trees.