Tree for One, Tree for All

In our neighborhood, there are many trees. It is always a joy to enter our village and pass by the tall trees in every yard. 

In our own garden, we have about seven tall trees that shade us from the sun. Around our house (along the sidewalk) are also seven trees that help ward off pollution.

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Trees make us feel peaceful and restful. Many sick people are said to recover more quickly when their hospital room has a view of trees.

The height, strength, and long lifespan of trees remind us of cathedrals. That’s why they are often planted as living memorials.

It is so easy to become personally attached to trees planted by our loved ones. I love the trees in our backyard because my late dad planted them all.  

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Recently, P-Noy visited the tree his mother planted in China. That tree holds a special place in the heart of the townspeople living there.

I know you, too, have your favorite trees. Maybe your father or mother planted them. Or maybe you planted them with your teachers and classmates.

The strong ties between people and trees are so great that we resist cutting them for whatever reason. 

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I was so inspired by people’s love of trees that I wrote a book entitled, Tree for All. Launched at the recent Manila International Book Fair, this book tells the story of how the hero, eight-year-old Mateo, and his best friend helped an old woman who was trying hard to stop three men from cutting a big, old tree just outside her gate.  

The men worked in a furniture shop and the big, old tree would make a great table and chairs. They also had a perfect excuse for wanting to cut the tree—a lamppost was to be built where the tree stood.

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The choppers rudely reasoned out that the tree was not the old woman’s personal property. She responded, “It isn’t yours either. It’s God’s!”

Indeed, a tree is for everyone. It is one of God’s great gifts to us. Nobody has the right to chop it down.

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So what happens in the story? Were the men able to saw off the tree?  

I could tell you, but this week’s “Big Little People” is not about the book, it is about planting trees. 

With proper maintenance, trees benefit us greatly. They provide privacy and hide   objectionable views. They reduce glare and reflection. They provide background to and enhance the beauty of surroundings and buildings.

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Trees moderate our climate (ever tried going under a tree on a hot summer noon?), improve the quality of air, conserve water, prevent floods, and provide homes for birds.

Their leaves filter the polluted air we breathe by trapping dust and other harmful particles. Rain then washes these pollutants to the ground.

By planting trees, we help improve the world we live in. So how about it? Would you plant a tree or two? 

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If you already have, why, you can always plant more! Remember, a tree planted by one is a tree for all! Please visit my website: http://leavesofgrace.blogspot.com or email me at: [email protected]