Growing Trees is Human

Have you noticed we bring trees nearly everywhere we go?

We build a new hospital, we plant trees. We pave a new road, we line it with trees. New shopping center, park, memorial; trees are in the budget. And the last thing to go into a new neighborhood, you guessed it - trees!

We drag trees around like Linus drags his blanket, sucking our proverbial thumbs in their shade. We never go too far without trees, because like Linus's blanket, they bring us security and happiness.

Growing trees, is very much a human trait. Were we aliens looking out at Earth and documenting human behaviors; we would note that wherever humans go, they bring trees. 

No matter what language you speak, what side of the road you drive on, how you part your hair or don't; growing trees is a universal human behavior.

We seem to remember that we come from the forest. It's almost as if we're linked to some ancient arboreal primate...wink! wink!

Don't believe me? Let's do a quick test...

You have the choice of going to two parks. One, is covered in trees and all this implies.

​People are napping in hammocks, a group of people are slacklining, two bicycles lean against the trunk of an old maple tree, the loving couple picnicking beneath its shade.

​Birds are singing and flying from tree to tree, children are laughing as they try to sneak up on a squirrel; a grandfather sits on a bench under the shade of a fir, softly smiling at his grandchildren at play.

And the other park, no trees. The sun beats down on the metal playground equipment, the wind cuts through unabated; the creaking of swings made dry from exposure. Crows swoop down to fight over the contents of a fast food bag blowing across the dirt...caw! caw!

Okay, maybe that was a bit of a weighted test!

So, let's say you're going shopping downtown, do you look for a street lined in trees or one without. Or how about a bit more of a somber stroke, you're choosing a hospital for your loved one battling cancer. What do you want them to see looking out the window - did you know that remission is higher in centers with more trees?

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 We treat trees with a certain reverence. We plant them to mark milestones. We cultivate reciprocal relationships, concerning ourselves with their health. Across the globe, countries have funded the preservation of trees through National Parks and conservation areas.  

I've sat through countless tree board meetings and city council meetings, watching us bend budgets to ensure a group of trees receives the proper care. I've witnessed towns adopt protection orders for certain species or trees beyond a certain age.

I've attended conferences for two decades where those devoted to the profession of tree care, come together to share their knowledge and passion.

But we don't need to understand photosynthesis to know that our stories are intertwined with trees. Even as children, we just know. 

Growing trees is human. It always will be.

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