Whether it’s reading or enjoying a picnic in the shade, or planting trees for future generations to love, Celebrate the joys of life provided by trees today on May 16th, also known as National Love a Tree Day.
Most species of trees tend to be long-lived – some trees live to be thousands of years old. A bristlecone pine tree, named Methuselah, has lived for more than 4,800 years and is older than the Egyptian Pyramids.
Aside from being beautiful landscapes and a shady canopy on a sunny day, trees play a significant role in providing oxygen, reducing erosion and moderating the climate. Trees provide lumber, food, nuts, home for wildlife and much more.
There are many different types of trees in Canada – some unique to certain regions and others common across the country.
Common tree species found in Canada and their characteristics
- Sugar Maple (Acer Saccharum) – Native to Ontario and Quebec, this deciduous tree produces the distinct leaf that is found on Canada’s flag. Canadians harvest the sugar maple tree’s sap for syrup and sugar during Spring
- Red Oak (Quercus Rubra) – Only found in lower Eastern Canada, this type of tree is constantly under the threat from logging as it offers premium wood that is ideal for furniture and constructure
- Lodgepole Pine (Pinus Contorta) – As of May 1984, this tree is the official provincial tree of Alberta. It is a tall and slender conifer tree with a straight trunk and needle-shaped, yellow-green leaves
- Paper Birch (Betula Papyrifera) – The provincial tree of Saskatchewan, also known as canoe birch or white birch, can live up to 50 years and will stand tall (typically reaching 20 meters in height) and proud during harsh winters.
- White Spruce (Picea Glauca) – The dense conifer tree contains a straight, tapered trunk with straight stiff blue-green needle leaves. It is common throughout Canada and is found in various soil types and climatic regions.
Why we love National Love a Tree Day
Trees helps us reconnect with Earth
Trees are nature after all and spending time with them can help you reconnect with earth. Show your appreciation for these gentle giants by planting a tree, taking care of existing ones or simply releasing your inner tree hugger to evoke a sense of belonging with nature.
Trees keep our community's cooler
Urban areas can get significantly hot especially during the summer. The shade and water vapor provided by trees can keep streets and homes so much cooler. Having a mature tree’s shade near your house can help reduce your home cooling bill by approximately 20% in the summer.
Trees are a habitat for wildlife
Trees are home to a diverse range of birds, insects and mammals. They can house hundreds or thousands of small creatures like snakes, frogs, ants, spiders and more. Trees are essentially home to so many living beings.
#LoveATreeDay