TREE COUNCIL OF IRELAND
Comhairle Crann na hÉireann
Fostering a tree culture in Ireland through action & awareness
#treeday2022
The theme is
Root for Nature
The spotlight is on the
Holly (Cuileann)
The Tree Council of Ireland is encouraging all primary schools across the country to get involved in
SPAR National Tree Day
and plant a tree on
Thursday, 6th of October 2022.
The theme for this year’s campaign is Root for Nature.
Have you ever thought about what is under the tree? We see the strong tree trunk and the branches full of
leaves creating a wonderful canopy. But what about the roots? These are the true strength of the tree.
And intertwined with these roots is a fascinating network of fungi consisting of
long thin, white threads called mycelium.
Trees use the mycelium to talk to each other - the forest version of the world wide web that we call
The Wood Wide Web.
This spotlight for this year's campaign is on the Holly / Cuileann
Holly is easily recognised by its glossy, stiff, shiny leaves which are dark green in colour above and paler underneath. The cluster of bright red berries of the holly tree is a great source of food for
birds during the cold, frosty winters when food is scarce.
Holly is very common throughout Ireland with many place names called after it.
Check out our sister website for lots more information!
How to take care of your sapling when it arrives...
1. Open the bag as soon as it arrives to let in some air.
3. Put the roots of the sapling back into the bag so as to retain the moisture until you are ready to plant. Keep checking them daily.
5. Using a spade, remove the grass or top sod from the soil. Dig a hole that is bigger than the size of the roots.
7. Water once a week until the frost arrives.
2. The important thing is that the roots do not dry out. If the roots dry, the plant will die. Therefore, remove the sapling from the bag and dip the roots in water to moisten. Do not leave sitting in the water.
4. If it going to be any longer than three days till planting, trench it into spare ground or put it into a pot until you have found its permanent home. Do not disturb the sapling again until January when it can be removed and planted in its permanent location.
6. Place a layer of compost into the hole and then place the sapling on top. Ensure the stem of the tree is above the level of the ground. Using your hands, crumble the soil and cover the roots. Gently compact the soil into place. Water slowly.
8. Then watch your sapling grow!
🌳WOODLAND WALKS🌳
On SPAR National Tree Day everyone is encouraged to take a moment in time and visit one of our numerous woodlands to explore the wonderful world of trees!
There are so many marvellous forests throughout Ireland that one is
spoilt for choice.
We have drawn up a list of just some to consider...
National Tree Day is organised annually on the first Thursday of October by the
Tree Council of Ireland and our partner SPAR.
Primary schools around the country are invited to spend the day learning about trees and to appreciate
and enjoy the planet we all live on.
Each year a theme is chosen for the campaign to promote trees and the vital part they play
in our environment and each year, a different native Irish tree is featured.
It is an important date in the school calendar and it has been enthusiastically supported by children,
teachers and parents alike providing an opportunity to put down the school books and get outdoors!