The Second Best Time
By Marvin N. Miller
This last month has not been a particularly good one for trees. Storms blanketed much of the Midwest and the Mid-Atlantic states. And trees were often the victims of lightning strikes, high winds, hail, and sudden micro bursts, which led to loss of life and caused much destruction.
In the West, trees were also stressed by wildfires. In Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, New Mexico, and some surrounding states, wildfires took their toll on thousands of acres of national forests, as well as on homes in many residential neighborhoods. As of this writing, some fires continue to burn.
Over the last several weeks, trees have fell victim to storms and fires, and the drought that is spreading throughout the country. But for each tree lost to fire or storm, there were also victims among the surrounding population. Less oxygen was produced, less carbon sequestered. Tree canopies that once may have provided shade in summer and windbreak in winter were gone. Trees often helped with erosion control, wind protection, and water runoff as well; the void will be noticeable.
Dealing with these losses reminded me of the Chinese proverb that says that the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, while the second best time is today. Perhaps, the day the last tree limb is removed, or the last ember is extinguished, will be a good time to plant a tree.
By Marvin N. Miller
This last month has not been a particularly good one for trees. Storms blanketed much of the Midwest and the Mid-Atlantic states. And trees were often the victims of lightning strikes, high winds, hail, and sudden micro bursts, which led to loss of life and caused much destruction.In the West, trees were also stressed by wildfires. In Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, New Mexico, and some surrounding states, wildfires took their toll on thousands of acres of national forests, as well as on homes in many residential neighborhoods. As of this writing, some fires continue to burn.
Over the last several weeks, trees have fell victim to storms and fires, and the drought that is spreading throughout the country. But for each tree lost to fire or storm, there were also victims among the surrounding population. Less oxygen was produced, less carbon sequestered. Tree canopies that once may have provided shade in summer and windbreak in winter were gone. Trees often helped with erosion control, wind protection, and water runoff as well; the void will be noticeable.
Dealing with these losses reminded me of the Chinese proverb that says that the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, while the second best time is today. Perhaps, the day the last tree limb is removed, or the last ember is extinguished, will be a good time to plant a tree.
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