2011 First-Class Forever Stamp,Go Green: Plant Trees

U.S. #4524k

2011 44¢ Plant Trees

Go Green

Issue Date: April 14, 2011

City: Washington, DC

Quantity: 160,000,000

Printed By: Avery Dennison

Printing Method: Photogravure
Color: Multicolored

Poet Alfred Joyce Kilmer wrote, “I think that I shall never see a poem lovely as a tree,” in praise of the beauty and overall usefulness of trees.  Those same traits are strongly reflected in a “green” lifestyle, and go hand-in-hand with the tremendous ecological benefits trees provide.  Planting new trees is one way to support this natural resource. 

Tree planting is a focal point in landscaping.  Trees add beauty and shade to both private property and the community.  They cool homes from the heat of the sun, and can help block strong winds.  But trees also serve an important role in the ecological health of their area.  

Trees give off oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that can be harmful in increased quantities.  They reduce the amount of soil erosion through water runoff, and can be a crucial factor in reducing the effects of flooding.  Trees also are an integral part of wilderness habitats, with many wildlife species relying on them for food and shelter.

Planting new trees is one means to ensure continued enjoyment of their benefits.  Population expansion and manufacturing have steadily depleted America’s forests.  Every sapling planted helps restore these important resources, making our lives healthier and richer.