The Plant Man column
for publication week of 01/09/05 - 01/15/05
(719 words)
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The Plant Man
by Steve Jones
www.landsteward.org


Trees form vital part of land's ecosystem


"You don't know what you've got ‘til it's gone."

It seems that it's human nature to take for granted that which is always
here. That's never more true than with trees and the soil they grow in.
But what happens to our lives when they dwindle... or even vanish?

I recently read a review of a book titled "Collapse" by Jared Diamond. He
researches and explains the mysterious disappearance of several
civilizations. There are two in particular that rang a bell with me, due to
my interest in land conservation.

Whatever happened to the Norse settlements in Greenland and the inhabitants
of Easter island? Mr. Diamond's research is fascinating, particularly for
those of us who are concerned with gardening and landscaping!

Firstly, Greenland. About one thousand years ago, a group of Vikings landed
in what's now known as Greenland and set up two settlements on the grassy
slopes that were protected from the Arctic ocean. Before long, they had
built many houses, parish churches and even a cathedral, using wood from the
trees they cut down. They had brought cattle and other livestock from their
homeland and the cows, sheep and goats grazed on the grass.

However, by 1408 the settlements were deserted. All the inhabitants who had
not returned to Northern Europe had starved to death. The reason? They had
chopped down entire forests for fuel or building materials, and new trees
couldn't grow fast enough to replace them. The shallow layers of topsoil
were lacking in soil constituents such as organic humus and clay, necessary
to hold on to moisture and keep the soil resilient to wind erosion.

Mr. Diamond adds: "With the trees and shrubs gone, livestock, especially
sheep and goats, graze down the grass, which regenerates only slowly in
Greenland's climate. Once the grass cover is broken and the soil is exposed,
soil is carried away ... to the point where the topsoil can be removed for a
distance of miles from an entire valley."

But this isn't a problem unique to the "frozen north."

At one time, according to the author, Easter Island was home to a thriving
culture that produced the famous stone statues that we are all familiar
with. At one time, the island supported dozens of different species of
trees, which in turn protected a fertile ecosystem that supported a
population of up to thirty thousand. But now, the island is just a barren
rock.

Like the Norse in Greenland, the Easter Islanders cut down all the trees
until there were none left. And with the trees gone, there was nothing to
protect the grass and the soil which was rapidly eroded. Mr. Diamond
writes: "I have often asked myself, ‘What did the Easter Islander who cut
down the last palm tree say while he was doing it?'"

Of course, you and I don't live by a frozen fjord lashed by the Arctic ocean
or on a remote island in the Pacific. However, I believe the two situations
I've described should resonate in some way with all of us.

Trees are so much more than pleasant decorations or handy poles between
which we can hang a hammock. Healthy trees form a vital part of our
landscape, nurturing the grass and the layers of soil beneath them.
Additionally, trees produce oxygen, provide shade in the summer and a buffer
against cold winter weather.

With spring just around the corner, I encourage you to think seriously about
planting some trees in your own corner of the world. You will enjoy their
beauty as they grow and spread year after year. And you'll have the
satisfaction of knowing that you're providing your own contribution to
ensuring that a vibrant ecosystem will be around for your children and
grandchildren.

If you need some specific advice about planting trees in your location,
simply e-mail me a few details about where you live, the type of soil and
terrain and the effect you wish to achieve. I will send you a personal
reply, and might include your question in a future column.

The Plant Man is here to help. Send your questions about trees, shrubs and
landscaping to and for resources and additional
information, or to subscribe to Steve's free e-mailed newsletter, visit
www.landsteward.org