Week 4 - Trees

Permaculture is permanent agriculture, and there is no plant that is more permanent in the landscape then trees. Trees are a foundational element of a stable and enduring Permaculture system. In the presentations below, we explore the characteristics of trees, and their typical patterns of use in Permaculture systems for the various climate zones. Explore the links below to gain a deeper insight into the many benefits of trees.

Trees

Trees are important for so many reasons that we've already discussed throughout the course. Trees are incorporated into Permaculture projects at all scales and in all climate zones. In the next series of videos we discuss the importance of trees and look at their use in the major climate zones.

Intro to Permaculture Trees in the Permaculture Landscape Video Transcript Download Intro to Permaculture Trees in the Permaculture Landscape Video Transcript

References:

New York Times - Forest's Role in Weather Documented in Amazon Links to an external site.

Trees in Dryland Climates

Trees in dryland climates are tied into rainwater harvesting earthworks for their establishment. It takes extra water for a tree to get its roots down into the soil where it can survive on rainfall alone. So often times earthworks are constructed to concentrate storm runoff where trees can take advantage of excess water.

Intro to Permaculture: Permaculture Trees in the Drylands Video Transcript Download Intro to Permaculture: Permaculture Trees in the Drylands Video Transcript

References:

Dryland Salinity Links to an external site.

Dryland Salinity Mitigation and Trees Links to an external site.

Trees in Temperate Climates

Throughout the temperate regions, there is adequate rainfall and trees can survive and thrive on their own without needing to divert excess water to them. Many temperate regions will naturally revert to forest anyway if unmanaged. So forest management is a big part of designing tree systems in temperate regions.

Intro to Permaculture: Permaculture Trees in Temperate Climates Video Transcript Download Intro to Permaculture: Permaculture Trees in Temperate Climates Video Transcript

Featured Links:

Aprovecho Links to an external site.

Sustainable Forestry at Aprovecho Links to an external site.

Trees in Tropical Climates

Trees in the tropics are where nutrients are held, and they play a vital role in stabilizing the tropical ecosystem. The tropics are where we see the most pronounced forest layers, with tall and low canopies, and climbing vines.