Seasons of Life
Beauty is found in every season of the life of a tree. Trees and humans are made to survive the seasons, but not only survive but flourish. Once planted, trees will seek the source of life—living waters for nourishment and continued growth. In Jeremiah 17:7, 8, we read, “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in the year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” We are to be like a tree, planted firmly in God.
The root system of a tree performs many vital functions. In winter, it is a storehouse for essential food reserves needed by the tree to produce spring foliage. Roots transport water and minerals from the soil to the rest of the tree. They also anchor the portion of the tree above ground. Keeping it healthy ensures an adequate food supply for the roots to continue their vital functions. One such act of a root function is to become bonded to the earth. Tree roots do this through their dense root system. We may not see it, but as the roots grow deeper in the soil, they support the tree. This way, it is less likely to become detached from the ground and fall over. Roots anchor the tree, such as a life spent planted in Jesus, anchor our soul.
Root systems often grow wider when they cannot grow downward, such as when bedrock is at a shallow depth, or there is a high water table. Roots tend to be longer when conditions are favorable. Dry, compacted soils produce fewer but thicker roots, some of which can grow to extreme lengths.
Before the weather gets too cold and wet, follow the tips on properly caring for your trees. Doing this in autumn will ensure your trees remain strong and healthy. These will help old–growth and newly planted trees during winter. Taking care of your trees during the cold months will help them be their best in the spring.
Caring Tips
- Prune and Rake Leaves.
Fungi, which cause disease in your tree, love to hide in fallen leaves. As the weather warms up in the spring, raindrops will enable the spores to reinfect the tree root systems. Therefore, removing dead branches, limbs, and leaves is essential. Fall is a great time to prune your trees. Dormant trees will drop their leaves, making it easier to see the tree’s structure. The right amount of pruning can eliminate injury to the tree and helps reduce tree stress. Be careful not to stress your tree by over-pruning. Over–stressing your tree could affect its health and cause the tree to fall. - Add Mulch.
Mulch helps protect the tree and the rooting system from distress brought on by the winter and summer seasons. Add a layer of mulch around the tree a few times a year. The amount should be no more than 3 to 6 inches. - Watering.
It is recommended that trees be watered two to three times a month in the fall season so that it does not get too dry. - Fertilize
Applying fertilizer in the fall helps protect the tree from winter damage and keeps it healthy. It is one of the best tree maintenance efforts you can do to aid your tree in staying healthy. - Plant Trees
Fall is the best time to plant new trees. The cooler temperatures mean less chance that the new tree will die from sun scorch or drought. It may not make sense since trees drop leaves during the fall, but conditions are perfect for stimulating new root growth during cooler weather. Roots get established during fall and winter. Spring brings showers, and summer’s warmer temperature will stimulate tree top growth.
Taproots
Have you cut a tree down because the tree roots were damaging your septic field, foundation, or sewer connection? The strength and persistence of tree roots are no joke. The growth of tree roots is all about the search for nutrients and support for the tree’s canopy. If either one of these missions fails, the tree is likely to die. The first root to grow from the primary roots is called the taproot, and it emerges as a radicle from a germinated seed. The taproot continues to grow as the tree matures. Some trees have evolved the ability to produce very deep and robust taproots to find a deeper water table and withstand drought conditions.
Jabez is like a taproot. In Scripture, we note that Jabez’s mother gave him that name for its meaning, “I gave birth to him in pain” (1Chro. 4:9). We also note that Jabez cried out to God, “Oh that you would bless me indeed and enlarge my territory. Let Your hand be with me and keep me from the evil one” (1 Chron. 4:10).
Enlarging your territory takes a deep-rooted commitment. Jabez wanted more influence, responsibility, and opportunities to make a mark for the God of Israel. He was committed to doing His will when those around him were not. Today, we are told to do whatever makes us feel good. There is no distinction between right and wrong behavior. Destructive behaviors surrounded Jabez, but in the midst of it, he called on God to be the judge and guide of his actions. He asked him to enlarge his territory. The word “territory” can also mean “coast” or “borders.” In the Old Testament, God moved His people from captivity to the Land of Promise and opportunities. Enlarging your territory is asking God to show you more of Himself in you and your ministry so that others may become saved and enriched. This prayer takes courage. It speaks of the deep-rooted intimacy and the obedience Jabez had to God. If the song had been written in Jabez’s day, I believe he would have sung the chorus, “I shall not be move, just like a tree that’s planted by the waters I shall not be moved.” His commitment to God was steadfast and sure.
Enlarging your territory takes increased courage. Not courage to fight the battles, but to let God fight them. Jabez’s prayer took boldness and courage. God has not forgotten His promise, have you? Was there a passion a commitment that died out along the way? God stands ready to bless those who believe their God is capable of great blessings. As He said in Zechariah 4:6, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.”
We have all had a moment where we realize we will not be able to move forward unless we earnestly seek God and ask Him to be with us. He wants us to invite Him to go with us. But, if we play it safe, we may never know this truth. Suppose we allow things to stop us from venturing beyond where we feel safe. In that case, we won’t see God’s hand working powerfully in our lives, whether it is fear of failure, doubt, insecurity or even when people tell you that you will never amount to anything. Then, we must believe in God’s ability to do even more than we could think or imagine. Fear can rob us of power. But prayer puts that power back into its proper place. So, remove fear and apathy and plant your roots deep within your faith in Christ. Stepping out of our comfort zone can yield more power in our lives. Look around at the people who are making a difference for God. Ask them what they do in their prayer life. You will see boldness in their prayers. They know what blessings God has in store as they see their lives unfold.
