Reply to thread

Message: [QUOTE="Jewell, post: 45766, member: 659"] I really hate this question. Mainly because people look at the question too simplistically. The world is full of very different ecosystems that are of great value for the diversity of the planet. Biodiversity has declined by more than a quarter in the last 35 years. Are you aiding your ecosystem or changing it even more by planting trees and introducing foreign species? [URL]http://www.americanforests.org/magazine/article/backyard-biodiversity/[/URL] What you plant really depends on where you live and your enviroment. I live where I have to pull tens if not hundreds of tree seedlings to maintain my yard with native plants and keep my home maintained. Neighbors have planted fir and sequoia trees along their north and my south property lines. This has made even passive solar energy impossible even though our 80 year old home was built for it. The large trees have also shaded out a small orchard. Over 15-20 years we have gone from a sunny lot to full shade. Without enough sunlight I can't grow a vegetable, herb or flower garden except in a very small area of a third acre lot. I have no grass and much of my yard is woodland with a good mix of native plants. If you are willing to take your own sunlight away by planting trees it is OK. But please be aware of your neighborhood and all enviromental needs. Sunlight is the basis for photosynthesis and plant life. Maybe building a self substaining water feature could add more diversity to your personal and the planets diversity? Trees are really only a very small part of the total equation. Maybe you could think more in terms of a food forest? [URL]http://www.edibleforestgardens.com/about_gardening[/URL] Maybe a way to provide urban biodiversity and gardens. [/QUOTE]

Verification