What Kind of Tree did Opal and Gloria Dump Plant?

Opal is a 10-year-old girl who lives with her father in a trailer park in Florida. Gloria Dump is an elderly neighbor who becomes her best friend. They share a love for nature and decide to plant a tree together in Gloria's backyard.

The Tree Planting Day

On a warm spring day, Opal and Gloria ventured into the backyard to start digging the hole for their tree. They dug deep until they hit the moist cool soil. Then they carefully placed the roots of their small tree into the hole and covered them with soil. Finally, Gloria poured water over the ground, allowing it to seep into the new tree.

A Look at the Tree

Opal and Gloria couldn't contain their excitement as they talked about what kind of tree they planted. They both examined the tree to see its characteristics. The tree had long branches that curved and swayed in the wind. Its leaves were small, and its delicate flowers were light pink.

Tree Identification

Despite their enthusiasm, the two were unsure of what tree they planted. They decided to ask a nearby botanist, Miss Franny Block, for her opinion. Miss Franny visited the tree with her magnifying glass and concluded that it was a sweetgum tree. She happily shared her knowledge with them, explaining that sweetgum trees have a maple-like leaf that turns vibrant red, orange, or yellow during the autumn season.

The Sweetgum Tree and Its Benefits

Opal and Gloria were thrilled to learn about their sweetgum tree. It was not only beautiful, but it had numerous benefits. Sweetgum trees are known for their medicinal properties. They provide a gum-like resin that can be used to heal cuts, scrapes, and wounds. The resin can also be used to make glue or chewed like gum. In addition, the sweetgum tree provides a habitat for various animals, such as squirrels and birds, and it helps to prevent soil erosion.

Caring for the Tree

After learning about their sweetgum tree, Opal and Gloria were determined to care for it properly. They made sure the tree was well-watered and didn't grow too close to other nearby plants. They also placed mulch around the tree to help retain moisture and to prevent roots from being exposed to rapidly changing temperatures.

The Growth of the Tree

Over the years, Opal and Gloria watched their sweetgum tree grow into a magnificent beauty. It provided shade in the hot summer months and its vibrant colors in the fall season were a sight to see. In addition, their tree continued to provide a home for various animals, further expanding the natural beauty of Gloria's backyard.

The Sweetgum Tree - A Symbol of Friendship and Nature

Opal and Gloria's sweetgum tree held special memories for them. It symbolized their friendship and their love for nature. The sweetgum tree provided a sanctuary for them and for the creatures that lived under its shelter. It was a constant reminder of the wonders of the natural world and how a little act of kindness, like planting a tree, could go a long way.