There is probably no other conservation initiative undertaken at the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens more challenging than the one we are working on now.  In addressing threats from climate change to humanity, our environment and our quality of life, the vision of our climate change plan calls for the Zoo to be a leader in promoting sustainability in El Paso.  In accomplishing this goal, we encourage everyone in El Paso to plant trees. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants through the process of photosynthesis and mainly because of new roads and other developments US cities are losing 36 million trees a year.

When it comes to removing human-caused emissions of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide from Earth’s atmosphere, trees pull the gas out of the air to help grow their leaves, branches and roots. Recognizing the value of trees, several years ago when plans were being made to build a new Chihuahuan Desert exhibit we made protecting the trees that have been growing at the Zoo over the past 100 years a top priority.   As a result, when you visit the exhibit today you will see how important the trees we protected are in providing valuable shade for our animals and guests and in conserving habitat for local wildlife.

When you purchase a tree look for native trees that require little water.   One great place to start is by visiting Sierra Vista Growers in Anthony, New Mexico.  As you walk through the Zoo look for some of the native trees we have in both the parking lot and along pathways in Africa, Asia and Americas.   Native trees to focus on include honey mesquite, Vauquelinia, Texas mountain laurel, pinyon pine and desert willow.

Sierra Vista Growers offers the following helpful tips on how best to transplant the trees you purchase from the container it comes in.

STEP 1 – Water the plant before transplanting.  Dig a hole 6-12” wider than the root ball of the plant, and 3-6” deeper.

STEP 2- Mix compost into the removed native soil (1-part compost: 1-part native soil).

STEP 3- Return 3-6” of the soil to the bottom of the hole, tamp down, and water to settle the soil and check for drainage. Clay soil holds water longer and requires less frequent watering.

STEP 4- Carefully remove the plant from the container and check root ball. If roots are tangled, gently loosen roots on all four sides and across bottom. Place the plant in the hole with the top of the root ball at ground level. Plant the tree at the same level it was while in the container. NOTE: More plants are lost to planting too deep.

STEP 5- Layer in the fill mix to ½ the depth of the root ball, tamping it carefully.

STEP 6- Fill the remainder of the hole with soil mix and lightly tamp it in, making the top of the root ball even with ground level.

STEP 7- Make a watering well around the tree to hold enough water. Water again to completely saturate the roots and surrounding soil (1gal pot needs 1-2 gal of water).

STEP 8- When the water has soak in, fill your basin with two inches of mulch (bark, pecan shells, straw, etc.) to hold moisture & deter weeds. When soil dries 1-2” on top, water deeply again.

STEP 9- Stake the tree if necessary.  If the main trunk of a tree can’t stand up on its own after it is transplanted and its nursery stake removed, it will need staking. This will keep its trunk vertical as the root ball and lateral branches develop.

Water 1-2 times per week until established.

Photos
Cover – Ken Bosma, Wikimedia Creative Commons
Top – Dimitri 66, Wikimedia Creative Commons

Bottom – Victoria, Wikimedia Creative Commons