FAQs
1. How is the presence of tree in cities beneficial?
2. How can I be sure that you will do what you say?
3. How do I find the location site of my tree?
4. Will you take part in the reforestation of burned areas?
5. What kind of company is Plant-a-Tree?
6. Can I choose the site on which to plant my tree?
7. Can I propose actions in specific areas?
8. In which cities does Plant-a-Tree function?
9. For which kinds of trees, that can be planted in the city, can I make a donation?
10. Are you a non-profit organization?
11. What happens after the tree-plantings? Does a committee exist for the monitoring of the reforested areas?
12. Do your tree-planting projects concern only areas suitable for reforestation or other urban areas, as well, such as city parks, sidewalks, etc?
1. How is the presence of trees in cities beneficial?
Multiple benefits are derived from the enrichment of an urban community with woody vegetation. To illustrate, these are some of the positive features of urban green:
- Regulation of the microclimate
- Absorption of carbon dioxide through the process of photosynthesis in plants
- Provision of oxygen
- Reduction of airborne pollutant emissions, caused by city transport means, from the leaves of trees which absorb harmful substance particles through the pores on their surface
- Tree leaves function as filters against solar radiation, helping to maintain lower temperatures within the urban community
- Reduction of noise, as the foliage of trees creates a "barrier" for sound
- Prevention of urban runoff, mudslides and flooding
- Aesthetic improvement of the urban landscape
- Provision of a green haven for relief from the hectic pace of life in a city
2. How can I be sure that you will do what you say?
We publish photographs and press releases of our projects and activities on our website and, moreover, our offices are open to whoever is interested in meeting with our team and obtaining more information on past and future projects.
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3. How do I find the location site of my tree?
Apart from the end-of-year annual report, Plant-a-Tree will send an e-mail to staff, members and donors with the specifics of each project upon its completion (details of action, geographical coordinates, photos, etc).
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4. Will you take part in the reforestation of burned areas?
Our company was established before the tragic events of the summer of 2007. At this point in time, we believe that the organizations created for the management of significant financial resources, which were collected for the rehabilitation of damaged areas, have been able to take steps in reviving those regions which suffered most. Furthermore, when natural regeneration is unfeasible, recently burned areas need to be studied and declared suitable for reforestation (if natural regeneration is impossible) before we can get involved. It is our long term goal to participate in this process.
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5. What kind of company is Plant-a-Tree?
Plant-a-Tree was founded in April 2007 and is currently in the process of changing to a limited liability company (Ltd).
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6. Can I choose the site on which to plant my tree?
For the sake of economy and efficiency, our members' trees will be planted in groups and in accordance with the design of Plant-a-Tree. For donations of large trees — where this is feasible — the appropriate planting sites can be discussed, depending on the cost.
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7. Can I propose actions in specific areas?
Of course! We will be happy to listen to your ideas and integrate them into the design of our actions. Send us your idea at athens@plant-a-tree.gr or contact us by telephone.
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8. In which cities does Plant-a-Tree function?
Since we are a small company, we are presently focusing our actions in the Athens area and its surrounding regions, and in the Chalkidiki area southeast of Thessaloniki. We expect that, in the near future, optimal conditions will allow for expansion to other major Greek cities.
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9. For which kinds of trees, that can be planted in the city, can I make a donation?
Donations will finance the planting of mainly deciduous trees in the urban area, upon consultation with our arborists relative to the project at hand. The most usual of these species of trees include the mulberry, the bitter orange, the plane, the judas, the pine, the olive, the hibiscus and the maple. Such trees are considered beneficial as they help in the assimilation of carbon dioxide in cities, the absorption of particles from the atmosphere, the prevention of floods and the maintenance of the climate temperature at viable levels.
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10. Are you a non-profit organization?
No. Plant-a-Tree is the effort of two young people who want to contribute, to the best of their abilities, to the increase of urban green spaces within the urban communities of Greece and who are, furthermore, able to provide an outlet to the awakened consciences of Greek citizens for actively aiding in promoting a greener environment. As, for example, one buys products and services which improve our lives by reducing the time and effort expended, in much the same manner, Plant-a-Tree provides us with the opportunity to improve our cities and, consequently, our lives.
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11. What happens after the tree-plantings? Does a committee exist for the monitoring of the reforested areas?
Tree-planting is only half the job. The goals of Plant-a-Tree are the successful reforestation of barren or burned areas and their transformation into a new forest. Plant-a-Tree is therefore committed to all stages of this process. For this to happen, the newly reforested area needs to be monitored and maintained for the first couple of years after planting, which, among other things, includes watering it and uprooting weeds that may pose a threat to their survival.
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12. Do your tree-planting projects concern only areas suitable for reforestation or other urban areas, as well, such as city parks, sidewalks, etc?
The addition of greenery to and around urban spaces has become more necessary than ever before in our increasingly polluted world. We are thus cooperating with local authorities to look for ways in which we can add greenery to our cities.