We are drawn to trees. Living things that are older than us, that we can touch, hear and smell.

In rural settings, we can expect to see trees and together in a forest, we can overlook them.

When trees are placed along the entry it can create a feeling of grandeur along with being touched with the beauty of nature. We admire tree lined driveways, even if the house at the end is quite humble. They give a pleasing sense of regality to a much grander residence.

Recently, travelling around the Geraldine and Pleasant Point areas, I saw many examples of beautiful trees living next to people. They provide shade in summer and beauty in autumn and spring. And if you happen to be near them early in the morning, or later evening, you will hear the hundreds of birds who are excitedly sharing stories with their friends.

Sometimes, I think of the people who planted these trees. Long ago they placed a small stick in the ground and hoped for the best. Perhaps there were others that didn’t make it but for the ones that are still there, I’m grateful someone made the effort to plant.

My parents moved houses often as my father was a builder, and was always moving on to the next project. At each place, my mother would plant trees and gardens, to be taken over by someone else. Although sad for her perhaps, it left a legacy behind.

My mother and I visited the area where her parents first lived. The house has gone and much of the surrounding area is a large field for growing corn. However, in the centre is an area of trees which we visited. Walnuts, pear and other fruit trees were still growing. Now wildy, but producing fruit from trees her parents planted over 100 years earlier.

Heritage trees are sort after for their resistance to various diseases or problems. The ones that have survived for decades are hardier than newer varieties.

No matter the size of your property or land you have access to, consider planting a tree for the future.