Do not trees put down roots which then prevent soil erosion? And produce oxygen, which then nurishes the soil along with the decomposed fallen leaves? Enriched soil shades then causes retention greater of moisture rather than a blank ffield or hillside, the reverse of what the author of this piece suggests. I am no botanist for sure, but I know that a denuded plain is the first step towards desertification. Plant that tree. Just make sure it is not one of the predatory kind. Not a "socialist" tree that takes and does not repay of give in return. Plant a "free market" tree that allows rejuvenation rather than stagnation and a landscape of despair.

Better late than never.

Who said trees, lawn and plants need clean water to survive? They have their own filtration system and resist most common pollutants. Especially if you are using biodegradable or Kashrut cleaning products in your house, this kind of used water can be re-used to plant and will actually help them grow faster and healthier. Remember that we need trees and plants for our survival; they help clean the air we breath, reduce heat, feed us, provide shelter, reduce noise pollution and daily strees with their beauty. Glory and honor to YHWH!

You make a strong point, but I would like to see the huge lawns and swimming pools of the rich stopped first. If we plant a tree that may benefit the land, yes it will take water but there is an end reward. The rich have their lawns, pools and golf courses only for their own pleasure to the detriment of the rest--this is world wide. Money should not be allowed to cause others to suffer. So, before you ban our "working-man's holiday" Start with the ones who are truly killing our water source.

Maybe we should have kept reciting Kadish instead of planting trees in honor of the deceased.

I have never heard so much rubbish new trees consume more co2 than older tree, they keep the water from eroding good soil and if the world had a reforestation plan like Israel there would not be global warming. Plant trees they make rain. Learn about precipitation

Sorry, and with all due respect to Dr. Wolfson, not planting trees degrades the soil, causes soil erosion and then more water is wasted in the watering process as runoff. Tree root systems hold the soil together and slowly distribute nutrients to the plant. Anyone who thinks we don't need trees to sustain our planet is not a very credible scientist. Better to have asked a biologist before letting a chemical engineer with no background in hydrogeology or hydrology to field this one.

In Los Angeles, which is near the desert and is currently experiencing a drought, we are encouraged to plant trees. In fact, our Department of Water and Power offers residents free trees. Trees create shade which saves water and power for electricity. Also, I read that in Israel they discovered that olive trees do fine with salty water - which Israel has plenty of.

A lot of the big trees you see in the forests are not native species. They look dry because they don't get enough water here. They don't live as long as they would in their own habitat. I think the JNF now knows that it was a mistake to plant these kinds of trees. The better solution is to plant native trees which are smaller but can live on the winter rains. But of course we must always plant trees.

You are right. That is why I am changing to fake grass. Grass is the biggest H2O guzzler.

There are trees that will only grow if very well irrigated, but there are others that do fine with infrequent watering and help prevent water run off when there is rain. Water that sinks into the soil will probably reach an aquifer. The article would be more credible if the author would have avoided a blanket prescription. No planting a eucalyptus is not for this year, but we have plenty of arid region trees that would still benefit the environment and help improve our water situation for the years to come.

especially where land is available--look at pictures of israel 100 or 60 years ago and look now at it--the trees do not cause any water shortage..this is caused by waste and by ''sharing'' water with too many

I don't know what kind of science is going on at Shamoon College, but obviously not forestry. Planting trees in the right location (I am not talking about the center of the Sahara Desert or the Negev) can actually decrease the effects of drought and help cultivate the land so that water that lands on the earth is sucked into its aquifers and doesn't evaporate. I find this article very offensive. Karin Kloosterman www.greenprophet.com

What? Are you nuts? Don you see that trees planted next to rivers and brooks actually help in keeping it from drying? What elementary school did you go to? Your 3rd grade teacher is probably shaking her hea and looking the other way.

KEREN KAYEMET PLANTS MILLIONS OF TREEES THAT NEVER USE A DROP OF WATER BESIDES RAIN. ALL OVER THE COUNTRY. WHAT KIND OF "GREEN" (Phd and all) INSTRUCTS US NOT TO.

Regrettably, your article lacks research, scientific knowledge and an overall understanding of how the ecosystem is effected by trees. Some of your information was valid, but I fear that the main point of your article will be "trees are bad," and that is tragic.

topics to address, and ynet is just as stupid for publishing it

Ok here we go again and you even try and explain that its not the same. Trees actually preserve as much as the use water. The prevent soil erosion increase the level of preciptation and hey they are pretty. I agree that we should be planting indinginous trees, but that is pretty much where it ends. The green movement in this country is caught in a continous anto mode... you scream to save the kinneret but are against de-salination plants. You are against fossil fuel power plants but prevent re zoning of land for solar and wind power. If you really want to find a solution to the enviromental crisis the world seems to be in you are going to need to stop opposing everything and provide real solutions