We all have wandered through forests, and you might have wondered how it got there. Not all forests around the globe came to existence organically (seed falls to the ground, the tree starts to grow).
You would be surprised how many forests actually are planted. Often hundreds of years ago, and that makes them look so organically, so naturally, as if they have been there forever.
What Is A Forest
To grow a forest, we first have to understand what a forest is. A forest needs an abundance of trees, first of all, it requires a healthy floor and soil culture. On top of that, a healthy forest has a diversity of animals, plants, shrubs, mushrooms and other elements that bring diversity to the area. A healthy forest also has access to water, whether from the land or on a regular basis from the sky. Healthy soil will help to absorb the water and maintain it to keep the tree roots fed with enough moisture.
Amount Of Trees
Does there have to be a number of trees to make up a forest? In principle, yes, but two trees will not cut it. Let’s consider 500 trees or more a forest, and anything less a nice bunch of trees. What is often unknown to many is that there is a forest above ground, and a forest below ground.
Root Systems
You would be surprised but often the root system of one single tree is as big as the tree itself, or bigger. The underground root systems have various functions. One function is the communication between trees. Therefore the forest is much bigger than what we can see with our eyes.
500+ Trees
If we draw the line at five hundred trees, then it is not that difficult to grow a forest all by yourself. Plant one tree per week, keep it up for a year, and your parcel should contain about 50+ trees, and in ten years you have grown a forest.
With very little investment and relatively little effort, this can be done. It is possible for any of us. It just requires some willpower and the belief that you can do it.
Let’s Pump It Up A Notch
Many people take a walk or a hike daily. If you bring a tree every day, with a little shovel to dig a small hole. You would be growing your forest every single day. In 500 days, seventeen months only, you would have grown your forest. It sounds all very impressive but actually, it is not.
Come On, Let’s Do It Together
If you can do it, so can others. Motivate others in your endeavour to grow forests. Go out with a group. This could be a small team of hikers, or a sports team, a school class, or a team of colleagues getting together. Together you can make it happen. Fun to do, and all striving for the same goal.
We would love to see you start growing your own forests and succeed in the process.
We are always here to support you with your ideas.
