Permaculture is a design philosophy and practice that focuses on creating sustainable and self- sufficient systems by mimicking natural ecosystems. The term combines “permanent” and “agriculture,” but its principles extend beyond farming to include sustainable living practices in various areas, such as gardening, building, and community organization.
Selecting a native tree that suits the available space, along with proper planting and care, ensures a tree that thrives with minimal upkeep. We’re committed to planting native trees because they play a vital role in boosting the planet’s health. The first step in ensuring a tree’s success is choosing the right species for its location.
This principle applies to shrubs as well, which are essentially small trees from a biological perspective. But why are native plants so crucial? Over the past five decades, populations of insects, birds, animals, and other wildlife have drastically declined. A significant factor in this decline is the lack of food and habitats, as native plants—critical to these creatures’ survival—are becoming increasingly scarce.
By planting native trees, we aim to support the recovery of non- human life. Here are five additional reasons we prioritize native trees, along with our current list of available native trees and shrubs, which is continuously expanding.
It’s also important to note that smaller plants generally fare better than larger ones. Planting larger, containerized, or balled and burlapped trees often introduces root system issues that can hinder the tree’s development and lead to premature death. With smaller trees, especially 1- to 2- year-old saplings, these problems are rare. Here’s why we prefer planting smaller trees.
By following these guidelines, your plants will likely enjoy a long, healthy life with minimal maintenance. On the other hand, an improperly planted tree may require extensive care and still face an early decline.
