Mazel Tov! You are going to plant a tree for Tu B'Shevat. Not only are you going to follow in a Jewish custom for this holiday, you are also going to help slow global warming, strengthen the soil, clean the air, and beautify your planet!
Make sure you choose a spot in which your tree will be viable and healthy-making sure there will be plenty of room for a grown tree. Make sure you keep in mind buried cables, building foundations gas lines and other potentially disastrous spots where growing roots may cause damage.
Once you are sure you have the perfect spot, its time to decide what kind of tree. Do you want an evergreen, abundant autumn color, summer shade, treehouse for the kids or grandkids in a few years?
Consult with your local nursery or do your own research to find out which trees will provide what you are looking for in the climate you live. You will need to consider how much sun the space will get, how wet or dry, sandy or rich the soil is to help decide what tree to plant.
Once you get your tree home, plant it as soon as possible. Dig a hole slightly wider and the same depth as the tree's rootball. Place it gently into the hole after removing the twine or metal cage, but without disturbing the rootball or unwrapping the burlap. Fill the remaining hole with soil mized with planting mix, leaving a small moat around the base to capture water. Cover the top with mulch and water profusely. Continue to water the tree according to the instruction, and stake it if it needs some support.
PRAYER ON PLANTING TREES IN ISRAEL
HEAVENLY FATHER
Thou who buildest Zion and Jerusalem
Take pleasure in Thy land
And bestow upon it of Thy goodness
And Thy grace.
Give dew for a blessing
And cause beneficent rains
To fall in their season,
To satiate the mountains of Israel
And her valleys,
And to water thereon
Every plant and tree.
And these saplings
Which we plant before thee this day,
Make deep their roots
And wide their crown,
That they may blossom forth in grace
Amongst all the trees in Israel,
For good and for beauty.
And strengthen the hands
Of all our brethren,
Who toil to revive the sacred soil
And make fruitful its wastes.
Bless, o Lord, their might,
And may the work of their hands
Find favour before Thee.
Look down from Thy holy habitation,
From heaven,
And bless this land
That it may flow again
With milk and honey.
Amen .
