I never thought I’d write a blog about trees and planting. I once confused a ficus with a fern and watered a synthetic plant for six months. (It looked shiny — I thought it was thriving.)Then I moved back to Delhi.
The air was… not air. Breathing felt like inhaling through a diesel-soaked pillow. I woke up coughing. I wore a mask before it was a thing. My indoor air purifier begged for a vacation. I even Googled “how not to die from pollution.”
That panic-Googling led me — oddly — to tree planting. What started as a desperate, half-hearted attempt to “do something” turned into a mud-covered, sweat-drenched, leafy love story.
Trees: Nature’s Carbon Vacuum Cleaners
Here’s the simple science:
- Trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO₂) — the same gas we release when we burn fossil fuels.
- CO₂ traps heat → Heat causes global warming → Global warming leads to climate change → And that means… yikes.
A single mature tree can absorb up to 21 kg of CO₂ per year. Multiply that by millions of trees, and you get a serious dent in emissions.
But the benefits don’t stop at carbon.
Trees also:
- Cool urban areas naturally (shade = lower AC bills = happy me).
- Prevent soil erosion (yes, soil gets tired too).
- Support biodiversity (hello squirrels, bees, and that 5 a.m. screechy bird).
A Bit of History: Humans Used to Respect Trees (Kinda)
In ancient India, forests were sacred. The concept of Vriksha Devata — the tree god — was common. Communities planted a tree for every child born.
Then came roads, malls, and Starbucks drive-thrus.
But tree love hasn’t completely vanished. From the Chipko Movement (where villagers hugged trees to stop deforestation) to modern-day reforestation projects, people are trying to bring the green back.
My First Tree-Planting Experience: Humbling, Muddy, and Joyful
They gave me a tiny neem sapling, a shovel, and vague instructions.
I dug a sad-looking hole, slipped in it, and was promptly schooled by a 12-year-old. But when I stood up, dirt on my face and neem in the ground, I felt… something. Like I had done one thing right in a world full of doomscrolling and plastic packaging.
And that little sapling? It stood proud, like, “Thanks, lady. I got this.”
The Pros and Cons (Because This Isn’t a Disney Movie)
Why Tree Planting Rocks:
- Long-term climate impact
- Zero tech required — just dirt and patience
- Boosts local ecosystems and mental health
But Also:
- Wrong species = ecosystem mess (looking at you, eucalyptus)
- Space is limited in cities (you can’t grow a banyan on your balcony — I tried)
- It’s slow. Trees don’t trend overnight.
Can We Just Plant Our Way Out of Climate Change?
Short answer: No.
Long answer: Not entirely, but it’s still powerful.
Tree planting alone won’t solve the climate crisis. We still need to:
- Cut carbon emissions
- Shift to renewable energy
- Change consumption habits
But here’s why trees matter — they’re tangible. You can plant one with your hands, with your kids, with your neighbors. It’s action, not just awareness.
What Happened After My First Tree?
I planted another one.
Then another.
Then dragged some friends and a skeptical cousin into it.
Now we’ve planted 70+ trees across parks and open spaces. It’s not just about greenery. It’s about community, effort, and choosing action over helplessness.
To help and make difference visit futureseedearth.com and can see more about nature .
Final Thoughts from a Tree-Loving, Hope-Addicted Human
If you feel hopeless about climate change — start small. Plant one tree.
No, it won’t fix the planet. But it might fix something in you.
That first neem? It’s now taller than the neighbor’s gate.
Neem #12 is still figuring itself out.
And “Leany,” the jamun with a tilt, is weirdly perfect.
Sometimes, healing the world isn’t loud or flashy.
Sometimes, it’s quiet, leafy, rooted — and incredibly real.
