TECHNICAL DIRECTIONS

Plant a Tree

One way you can help slow global warming is to plant a tree. Trees absorb, or take in, carbon dioxide, while giving off life-giving oxygen. That’s natural air pollution control. Trees can help save energy, too. For example, trees cool the air around a house by providing shade. This means that people use air conditioners less often.

Materials:

  • • tree

  • • shovel

  • • compost

  • • garden hose (for watering)

  • • wooden stakes and nylon socks (optional)

Planting Steps

root-ball

root-ball

compost

compost

Source: Arbor Day Foundation, arborday.org

Source: Arbor Day Foundation, arborday.org

stakes

nylon socks

  • 1. Select an area appropriate for planting your tree. Consult an adult about what to plant and where.

  • 2. Dig a hole twice the size of the root-ball.

  • 3. Put the tree into the hole and cover the roots with dirt.

  • 4. Mulch the surrounding area with approximately 4 inches of compost.

  • 5. Water the tree in order to settle the dirt around the roots.

  • 6. Support the tree trunk, if necessary, with wooden stakes and nylon socks.

In Other Words

  • compost rich, healthy dirt

  • wooden stakes tall, thin pieces of wood for support

  • Mulch Fill, Cover

Before You Move On

  • 1. Main Idea and Details Planting trees helps to slow global warming. Provide two details to support this.

  • 2. Steps in a Process Do you mulch the area before or after you water?