Where Can You Plant Trees in Israel?

Israel, with its diverse ecosystem and unique geography, is a country that relies on and cherishes trees. From north to south and east to west, there are many places where you can plant trees in Israel, each with its distinct attributes and opportunities for growth.

The North

The north of Israel is characterized by its beautiful mountains and lush greenery, making it perfect for planting trees in locations such as the Galilee region, Upper and Lower Galilee, and the Golan Heights. These areas are home to many striking natural landscapes and offer a bounty of opportunities to plant both coniferous and deciduous trees, such as pine, cypress, and oak trees, among others.

Tree planting activities in these northern regions are usually carried out in the fall and winter seasons. Some of the most popular tree planting sites in the north include forests such as the Carmel Forest, the Gilboa Forest, and the Biriya Forest. These sites are always open to the public and offer guided tours and educational activities to promote ecological awareness and environmental protection.

The Center

The center of Israel, also known as the Coastal Plain, is home to many of Israel's largest cities, including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa. While urbanization has taken its toll in some areas, there are still many green and open spaces that offer perfect opportunities to plant trees. With its Mediterranean climate, the center is ideal for planting fruit trees such as olive, pomegranate, and fig trees, as well as deciduous trees like oaks, sycamores, and plane trees.

One of the most popular tree planting sites in the center of Israel is Rehovot, a small city located south of Tel Aviv. The city is known for its lush green parks and public gardens, including the Weizmann Institute of Science's forest, which is open to the public for tree planting activities.

The South

The south of Israel, which includes the Negev Desert and the Arava, is an arid and arduous region, but it has been undergoing a remarkable transformation, thanks to various ecological initiatives and tree planting activities. These initiatives focus on planting drought-resistant trees such as acacia, jujube, and tamarisk trees, as well as cacti, to combat desertification and promote biodiversity.

One of the most impressive tree planting projects in the south is the Yatir Forest, located in the northern Negev, which spans over 30,000 acres and was planted starting from 1964. The Yatir Forest is the largest planted forest in Israel and an excellent example of what can be achieved through determination, innovation, and ecological awareness.

The Bottom Line

Planting trees in Israel is an excellent way to contribute to the country's ecological wellbeing, promote biodiversity, and leave a lasting legacy. Whether planting trees in the north, center, or south, each location offers unique opportunities and challenges, and each tree planted contributes to the rich heritage and stunning beauty of the land of Israel.