Passage 1 How to Plant a Tree

Once you've decided to plant a tree, choose the type of tree you'd like to plant. To save energy, choose a large deciduous tree. It will provide sunlight even in winters, allowing sunrays to come through the bare branches once the leaves have fallen. For more shade, choose a tree that has a broad canopy so that it will produce a larger shady area. Evergreen trees provide shade all through the year because they do not lose their leaves in winter. To add color to your garden or backyard, choose a tree that has colorful foliage or one that has colorful flowers. A fruit tree can be doubly advantageous, providing fruits, shade, and beauty to the surroundings.
In a tree nursery, trees are packaged in plastic containers or wooden boxes; some are wrapped in fabric or wire. However, except bare-rooted trees, the type of container does not have an influence on when you plant the tree. Nevertheless, planting trees during fall, when they are dormant, allows their roots to grow a little before warmer weather sets in. This activates the top growth of the tree.
The hole meant for planting a tree is significant for its growth rate. The size of the hole determines how well the tree establishes itself in the soil and grows. Dig a hole shaped like a saucer, which is at least thrice the size of the tree's root ball, since most of the tree's roots grow outward where the oxygen levels are high. This helps in the growth and development of the roots. Gently remove the soil from the roots and place the tree in the hole. If the tree is in a wooden box, take off the sides and keep the base, as this will provide support. If the root of the tree is wrapped in plastic or fabric, gently cut it away, for it is important to help the tree grow with its roots outward.
Fill the hole with the same soil that was dug out to create the hole. Water the tree immediately after planting. A new tree requires water regularly, especially for the first few weeks after it has been planted. Care should be taken that the trees are not overwatered. Add a layer of compost, wood chips, or fine pieces of bark around the new tree. This will help to maintain soil temperature and moisture and keep fungal diseases and insects at bay.

Passage 2
Why Planting Trees is Good

Trees provide countless benefits to the environment and to an area's landscape. A simple and inexpensive way to add color and beauty to a drab landscape is to plant a tree with attractive foliage and flowers. Having trees around a home is also a boon. They provide fruits, nuts, and colorful flowers. A sturdy and mighty tree also offers a place for children to play. Near a window or a patio, trees offer welcome and much needed shade. Trees are a habitat for birds, squirrels, and bees. A lack of trees will quickly lead to the destruction of the natural habitats of these creatures. Trees help muffle noise and block unattractive views and also provide wood for beautiful pieces of furniture.
With climate change and increasing pollution, trees are becoming even more indispensable to cities and towns. Trees serve as the lungs of the environment as they absorb carbon dioxide and give out oxygen, making life as we know it possible on Earth. They keep the air pure and cool.
Every inch of available space—lawns, golf courses, pavements—should be planted with trees. Unused land must be reclaimed, and forested space must be valued over open space. People need to think about living among trees if they want cooler climes and fresher air.
26
Select the correct answer.
Which idea is common to both texts?
A.
All types of trees help the environment by absorbing carbon dioxide and giving off oxygen.
B.
Some benefits to planting trees are creating shade, providing fruit, and adding color.
C.
Deciduous trees let sunlight filter indoors in winter and add beauty to a property in spring.
D.
Trees can create a noise barrier, decrease pollution, and eliminate some insects.
Reset Next