Alley of young trees neatly planted

Greening Oklahoma: The Benefits Of Planting Trees And The Best Time To Do It

Trees are essential to our planet’s well-being, as they not only beautify our surroundings but also provide us with a multitude of benefits that are crucial to our health, environment, and economy.

Trees are known for their ability to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which makes them vital in mitigating climate change and improving air quality. They also help to reduce soil erosion, provide shade, and act as a natural sound barrier. Additionally, trees provide us with numerous economic benefits, such as increased property values, reduced energy costs, and tourism opportunities.

This article aims to provide you with an overview of the benefits of planting trees, the best time to plant them in Oklahoma, and the most suitable tree species for the region. We’ll discuss the environmental, economic, and health benefits of planting trees, as well as tips for planting and maintaining them. We hope to inspire you to start planting trees and contribute to a greener Oklahoma.

Human hands are planting trees and watering the plants to help increase oxygen in the air and reduce global warming

Benefits Of Planting Trees

Planting trees provides a wide range of benefits that extend beyond aesthetics. Here are some of the most significant benefits of planting trees:

Environmental Benefits

  • Air quality improvement: Trees absorb pollutants such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide from the air, which helps to improve air quality.

  • Carbon sequestration: Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in their wood, leaves, and roots. This process helps to mitigate climate change by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

  • Reducing soil erosion: Trees help to stabilize the soil by holding it in place with their roots, preventing soil erosion.

Economic Benefits

  • Increase in property values: Trees can increase property values by up to 15%. Homes with well-landscaped yards and trees are generally more attractive to buyers and can fetch higher prices.

  • Reduction in energy costs: Trees provide shade in the summer, which can help to reduce cooling costs. They also act as windbreaks in the winter, reducing heating costs.

Health Benefits

  • Stress reduction: Studies have shown that spending time in natural environments, such as parks and forests, can help to reduce stress levels.

  • Improved mental health: Exposure to nature and green spaces has been linked to improved mental health outcomes, such as reduced rates of depression and anxiety.

 

Planting trees has numerous benefits that can help to improve our environment, economy, and health. By planting trees, we can contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.

young people volunteers outdoors planting trees digging ground talking cheerful

Best Time For Tree Planting In Oklahoma

When it comes to planting trees in Oklahoma, timing is crucial for their survival and growth. Here are some key things to keep in mind regarding the best time to plant trees in Oklahoma:

Optimal Planting Season

  • Fall is the best season for planting trees in Oklahoma. The ideal time is between October and December when the temperatures are cool and the soil is moist.

  • Planting in the fall allows the tree to establish roots before the hot summer temperatures arrive, making it more likely to survive and thrive.

Tips For Planting In Different Regions Of Oklahoma

  • Eastern Oklahoma: In this region, the ideal time for planting trees is from late September to early November. The soil in this area tends to be rich and moist, making it ideal for planting.

  • Central Oklahoma: The optimal time for planting trees in this region is from mid-October to early December. The soil in this area can be hard and compacted, so it is important to loosen it up before planting.

  • Western Oklahoma: In this region, the best time for planting trees is from mid-October to mid-November. The soil in this area can be dry and sandy, so it is important to add organic matter to the soil before planting.

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Planting Trees

  • Planting Too Deep: Trees should be planted at the same depth as they were in the container. Planting too deep can cause the roots to suffocate and die.

  • Overwatering: While trees need water to survive, overwatering can be just as harmful as underwatering. It is important to give the tree enough water to moisten the soil without saturating it.

  • Failing To Mulch: Mulching around the base of the tree can help to retain moisture in the soil and prevent weeds from growing. However, it is important not to pile the mulch up against the trunk of the tree, as this can cause rot and damage.

redbud tree with the sky in the background

The Most Suitable Tree Species For Planting In Oklahoma

Choosing the right tree species is crucial for ensuring their survival and growth in Oklahoma’s climate. Here are some of the most suitable tree species for planting in Oklahoma:

Native Species And Their Benefits

  • Redbud: Known for its beautiful purple flowers in the spring, the redbud is a small tree that is well-suited to Oklahoma’s climate. It can grow in a range of soil types and is drought-tolerant once established.

  • Eastern Red Cedar: A fast-growing evergreen tree, the Eastern Red Cedar is ideal for windbreaks and privacy screens. It is drought-tolerant and can grow in a range of soil types.

  • Blackjack Oak: A medium-sized tree with dark, ridged bark, the Blackjack Oak is well-suited to Oklahoma’s dry climate. It is drought-tolerant and can grow in poor soil conditions.

Non-native Species And Their Benefits

  • Chinese Pistache: This deciduous tree is known for its beautiful fall foliage, which turns bright shades of red, orange, and yellow. It is drought-tolerant and can grow in a range of soil types.

  • Japanese Maple: A small, ornamental tree, the Japanese Maple is prized for its delicate, lacy leaves and bright fall foliage. It is well-suited to Oklahoma’s climate and can grow in a range of soil types.

  • Bur Oak: A large, stately tree, the Bur Oak is well-suited to Oklahoma’s climate. It is drought-tolerant and can grow in a range of soil types.

Choosing The Right Species For Different Landscapes

  • Urban areas: For planting in urban areas, it is important to choose trees that are tolerant of pollution and can withstand the stresses of an urban environment. Some suitable species include the American Elm, the Green Ash, and the Honey Locust.

  • Rural areas: For planting in rural areas, it is important to choose trees that can withstand the harsh weather conditions and soil types found in these areas. Some suitable species include the Eastern Red Cedar, the Blackjack Oak, and the Osage Orange.

  • Windbreaks: For planting as windbreaks, it is important to choose trees that can withstand high winds and provide a dense canopy. Some suitable species include the Eastern Red Cedar, the Bur Oak, and the Red Maple.

Final Thoughts

Planting trees in Oklahoma offers numerous benefits that extend far beyond aesthetics. From environmental benefits such as air quality improvement and carbon sequestration to economic benefits such as increasing property values and reducing energy costs, to health benefits such as stress reduction and improved mental health, trees are a valuable asset to our communities.

Timing is crucial when planting trees in Oklahoma, with fall being the best season for planting. It is also important to choose the right tree species for different landscapes, taking into consideration factors such as soil type and climate.

We hope that this information has inspired you to consider planting trees in Oklahoma. By doing so, you can contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for our state and enjoy the many benefits that trees have to offer. Whether you plant a single tree in your backyard or participate in a community-wide tree-planting initiative, every tree planted makes a difference.

So why not take action today? Plant a tree, care for it, and watch it grow into a beautiful and valuable asset for our environment, economy, and health. Together, we can make Oklahoma a greener and more vibrant place for generations to come.

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TREES BY JAKE has been providing tree removal services in Tulsa for over a decade. Jake is a Tulsa Certified Arborist and we have a variety of equipment to safely and efficiently remove trees. Call or text us today for your free estimate at 918-500-9955 and don’t forget to check us out on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter!

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