You can plant container-grown trees any time of year, but winter is the time to plant bare-rooted trees.
For example, if you plant an apple tree now, you need to cut a hole that is four feet by four feet. Put plenty of well rotted manure. Then add compost and stub on the tree.
You want to keep the area around you as free of weeds as possible. You can lay geotex (a breathable lining that suppresses weeds). Then in spring, cut holes and plant some chives and wallflowers. The chives will deter scab and the wallflowers will attract bees to pollinate the tree.
Irish has two words to indicate a tree, crann, and to indicate sacred trees, bile. Here is a list of the seven sacred trees of Ireland that can help you choose a tree.
By planting a tree you help absorb that CO2!
Of those sacred trees, there are seven that are considered the main trees, totems for the clans. The tradition arose from each local settlement surrounding a single tree. Forests were revered because they provided much sustenance. The trees gave nuts and berries for the gathering. They were also the habitat of the game that was hunted. They provided medicine when they were sick. Trees also became the first alphabet, ogham, used in Ireland. Lastly, they could be cut down to provide fuel to light both the household and sacred fires at festivals.
Trees sustained the ancient Irish in body, mind, and spirit. It’s no wonder trees are so ingrained in the Irish psyche.
1. Oak: from the Irish duir, which can be translated as door. The oak is associated with the County of Derry and the oak is also associated with one of the three main saints of Ireland: Saint Columcille of Donegal. The strength of oak is manifested not only in its use as a building material but also in its spirituality. Oak leaves crown representations of the Green Man or the Man of the Wild Forest. Along with Hawthorn and Ash, it is said to be the faeries’ favorite room.
2. Hazel – Hazel is quite magical. Hazelnuts fed the salmon of wisdom. When the salmon had its fill of these nine hazelnuts, it was also full of knowledge. Hazel rods are also used for divination on water. Irish superhero Fionn MacColl is the “beautiful son of Hazel,” so areas associated with his adventures will also resonate with Hazel’s spiritual energy.
3. Apple: County Armagh is the Orchard County of Ireland. Of course, as the spiritual and ecclesiastical center of Ireland, it is also associated with Saint Patrick. The classic Irish dessert is apple pie, a flaky shortcrust pastry wrapped around sweet local apples grown in the Loughall district. Apples, as well as turnips, are used in fortune-telling games on Halloween.
4. Yew – This tree can live for millennia or more and is frequently found in cemeteries. There is a tradition that the cemetery yew took root around each corpse. Because it is evergreen and so resistant that it symbolizes eternal life. Along with holly, it was the favorite wood of Celtic warriors.
5. Ash Tree: Both the Norse and Celts viewed the tall ash tree as Yggdrasil, the Tree of Life. When cut it bleeds red sap. Due to its extensive roots, this species, along with the yew, is associated with the underworld. Because of this and the magical associations with fairies, ash became known as the “door opener.” While it is very strong, it is also flexible. Along with willow, it is a popular material for basket making.
6. Holly: This winter evergreen is associated with the battle between the Holly and Oak kings on the winter solstice. Because of its warrior attributes it means courage. However, because it is sacred to the waning year, it also has a more meditative side. This is the tree of the Spiritual Warrior more than that of the soldier.
7. Pine – This species was one of the first in wood on the island of Erin. This is the other evergreen tree that grows at the winter solstice. Pine oil is a great cleansing agent. The scent of pine needles refreshes the air and clears the lungs. As Holly battles the oak for supremacy, the pine is winter’s peaceful, contemplative, and deeply spiritual presence.
Take a walk in the woods and get to know these trees. In a fairly short space of time, you will find yourself admiring the beauty of a particular species. This may well be the main tree of your own family. Take a walk and see if a tree decides to share its totemic power.
Tree planting is a good way to offset your carbon debt. If you don’t have a garden, consider giving away a tree. One Christmas we gave some friends oak and birch trees for our daughters, a beech for mom and a maple for dad, who has family in Canada. Or you can help plant a forest. Ireland is one of the most deforested countries in Europe.