A list of 5 trees to grow as a prepper is ironic, given that nature itself is the root cause of most catastrophes. At least, these trees are examples of Mother Nature’s benevolence. She doesn’t bring forth hurricanes and wildfires every time. That’s by the way.
Trees are much more valuable than you think. They do far more than only oxygen and shade, but you’ll rarely realize this until you hit the wilderness. Knowing the properties of various trees will be very useful in helping you become a homesteader and guide you on the right location to bug out to when SHTF.
Highlighting 5 Trees To Grow As A Prepper
Knowing the right trees to grow can be crucial to your survival when things go wrong. Trees will provide you with food, serve as shelter, and even foster personal hygiene. Let’s see the ideal trees to plant around your yard.
Note: Trees take several years to grow, so these are to be grown NOW, before disaster strikes. Here we go.
American Linden
The American Linden (also called the Basswood) is a common tree across the US & Canada. It is a leafy tree of medium-large size. So, while you may come across one at the height of 50 FT, you can also find an American Linden up to 120 FT with a sustainable trunk measuring about 6 FT in diameter. The tree is expected to last for an average of 150 years and is a wise choice to have in your yard.
The American Basswood is a dependable fire starter. It comes in handy if you have to build a fire, thanks to its soft, flammable bark. It responds to friction very easily, so getting your fire up and running takes little time. Besides keeping you warm, remember that you can cook meals over a fire in the absence of other options.
White Birch
The white birch is a native of North America, although very popular in Canada as well. The tree has a thin, lightly colored bark that can be used for many purposes, including storage containers, adhesive maker, and pass for a source of brewed tea.
The birch can live for about 50 years, grows up to 66 FT & about 30” in diameter.
Thanks to its thin but sturdy bark, you can make tools, furniture, and utensils out of the birch. When cultivated in a landscape, the tree is very attractive to look at. It can develop up to 2–3 trunks & grow closer to the ground.
Mulberry Tree
The mulberry is a great plant, thanks to its various uses. To begin with, it is used to cultivate wine, and is an excellent nutritional source. Its berries are sweet & flavorful and can be eaten raw or cooked — true survival foods. The mulberry has existed for ages, with even the Chinese traditional medicine making a mention of it in their prescriptions. There are recipes to use mulberries as a pain reliever.
If you know how to, the bark of young mulberry trees can be used to make paper and even clothes. Throw in the fact that livestock can feed on the leaves of the mulberry tree, and you realize the vast resourcefulness of this tree.
The mulberry grows up to 6–8 FT.
Eastern Red Cedar
This juniper species are common across North America, especially in the Eastern states of America. It is a survivalist tree, as it is often one of the first trees to regrow in any land that’s faced destruction.
When dense, you can use the red cedar to make shelters and start a fire easily. Thanks to its sturdiness, you can use the tree to build fence posts as well. It is also useful in the treatment of rashes & skin irritations.
Some traditional medicines also use the red cedar smoke to treat people suffering bronchitis, making the tree even more essential to grow. Remember that having a natural remedy can be very helpful in an era devoid of many resources.
Honey Locust Tree
Chiefly found close to river valleys and other water bodies, the honey locust plant is very common in Louisiana, Massachusetts, South Dakota & Texas. The tree is a rapid grower, reaching 90 FT and above within a few years of planting. With a life expectancy of 120–150 years, the honey locust tree can serve as a family heirloom.
The honey locust has beautiful, sweet-smelling flowers and therefore works for aromatherapy. Growing it close to your property is advisable, thanks to the aroma and accompanying thorns, which can serve as protection.
The tree produces edible beans, which can be very valuable when SHTF. Be careful when choosing the honey locust tree. There’s the black locust type that also produces beans but is toxic to health.
And yes, this tree is sustainable!
Maple Tree
The maple is a popular tree that everyone recognizes, and I hope their benefits are well-known as well. Typically seen as a tree filled with large leaves, the maple is useful in several situations, especially health.
Apart from the popular use of the maple to make syrup and its bark to make woodworks, they also have remarkable medicinal uses. A tea or tincture made from the maple tree can help fight common conditions like cold and fever and severe issues like a kidney infection.
Additionally, the leaves of the maple can be used to make eye wash for sore eyes. And as soon as the leaves start to fall off, they work great as a garden compost material.
Concluding The 5 Trees To Grow As A Prepper
Of course, there are more than 5 trees to grow as a prepper. Some of them are the Walnut tree, Willow tree, Fig tree, Jujube tree, Western White Pine, Oaktree, Hawthorn tree, and Osage Orange tree. All of them have several purposes, ranging from medicinal uses to shelter and fire building. Asides from these survival uses, trees are highly advisable to encourage nature’s sustainability. Start your planting today.
