March of the Trees

In Tennessee, Arbor Day is officially celebrated on the first Friday in March. Join Socket and partners Root Nashville and Metro Tree Advisory Committee to celebrate a March full of beautiful, life-giving trees!

Nashville is lucky to have green spaces throughout our city. Our extensive city park system boasts more than 180 parks, while Nashville has nearly 100 miles of paved greenways throughout the county. But did you know that our fair city is home to 26 arboreta? According to the Nashville Tree Foundation, an arboretum is a "curated collection of trees and shrubs, grown and maintained for educational and scientific purposes... [they] provid[e] an opportunity to see many varieties of trees in one place, allowing one to get familiar with their names and appearances." Ready to check one out? Find the Tennessee-Urban-Forestry-Council-certified arboretum nearest you.

As we learn more about trees, their powers and benefits continue to amaze. Here are some interesting insights into the secret lives of trees.

Trees in a forest can 'talk' and share nutrients

Scientists have found that neighboring trees help each other by intertwining their roots, or by growing fungal networks around their roots. These networks serve as a living nervous system that connects separate trees and can provide nourishment to a tree that is having health issues. (The Secret Life of Trees)

Some trees emit chemicals that attract enemies of their enemies

Trees may look passive, but they are far from helpless. Some trees produce chemicals that combat insects and can send airborne chemical signals to others, warning trees in close proximity to prepare for attack from insects. These airborne signals can be multifaceted as well. Some chemical signals have been shown to attract predators that kill harmful insects. A 2013 study found that apple trees attacked by caterpillars released chemicals that attracted caterpillar-loving birds. (15 Astounding Facts About Trees)

Trees can consume a lot of water

A large oak tree can consume about 100 gallons of water per day, and a giant sequoia can drink up to 500 gallons daily. Thirsty trees help limit flooding, hold soil together with their roots, and can reduce the risk of erosion. This is so important in Nashville, where flooding is common. One more reason to plant trees! (15 Astounding Facts About Trees)

Trees promote diversity

Adding a single tree to an open field can increase its bird biodiversity from close to zero species to as many as 80. Native trees create much needed habitat for many types of wildlife, including obvious residents such as squirrels and birds, but also animals like bats, bees, owls, and fireflies. (15 Astounding Facts About Trees)

Trees live longer than anything

Nothing on Earth lives as long as some trees. The bristlecone pine, for instance, can live for thousands of years. The oldest tree on the planet, an ancient Bristlecone Pine called Methuselah, is almost 5,000 years old. (14 Fun Facts About Trees)

Trees save you money

Planting shade trees around your home can reduce your cooling bill in the summer by 25%. They also act as a great buffer to noise pollution.

The largest organism in the world is a tree

An aspen tree, named Pando, is the single largest organism on Earth. It has cloned itself and spread across more than 5 miles of forest. (Pando information)

Trees fight climate change

A mature tree can absorb more than 48 pounds of carbon dioxide each year, removing and storing the carbon while releasing oxygen back into the air. (The Power of One Tree - The Very Air We Breathe)

Hug a tree today!

For more sustainability inspiration and information, follow our social media on Socket on Facebook, Socket on Twitter, and Socket on Instagram. We invite you to share your favorite tree photo, tree fact, or tree story with us. In the meantime, have a tree-rific day!