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7 Reasons We Are Different (and Better)

Forest scene with cloud shrouded mountains in the background

 

A memorial gift tree is a powerful remembrance gift. A celebration gift tree is a memorable way to acknowledge a milestone event. Not only do these plantings honor a person or pet, but it also gives the earth a gift too by helping reforest areas ravaged by forest fires, deforestation and climate change. The Gifted Tree understands that you, the customer, have a number of company options that can plant your gift tree and announce the donation to the recipient or to the honoree’s family. We have occasionally been asked the question, “Why should we use The Gifted Tree for our memorial or celebration tree plantings?” We gave the question a great deal of thought and came up with seven reasons why The Gifted Tree is different and makes us the best option for planting your gift tree and sending a tribute card or animated eCard.

Reason 1. The Gifted Tree can plant your gift tree in multiple locations worldwide.

While our competitors give you options of planting locations only in United States forests, The Gifted Tree can plant your gift tree in 30+ countries on six continents around the globe. The entire planet needs trees, not just the United States. We have all read about forest fires ravaging Australia, Spain and Portugal. Also, the clearcutting of forests in the Amazon to expand agricultural land availability has been well documented. And the cutting down of trees in Asia and Africa so that families have firewood to cook their next meal is an ever-present actuality.Girl holding a potted tree sapling in Peru Each of our planting projects around the world has its own goal, explained on the website. While we certainly plant a lot of trees in the U.S., and love to do so, the person you are honoring might have a connection to an international country and makes your commemorative gift even more special. That is why we offer you global options. (By the way, the country where your gift tree is planted is noted on the tribute certificate!)

Reason 2. The Gifted Tree sends unique, creative, and memorable certificates.

Most of our competitors send a generic card or a pdf that you can print out at home on your computer, both likely to quickly end up in the trash can. The Gifted Tree sends tributes that will stand out and ensure you connect on a personal level with someone important to you, as well as likely to be kept long-term and even displayed in the home.  Our tributes are hand-crafted with a personal touch to make sure you stand out. Tributes come in different price points (all very affordable) and no matter which one you choose, they are suitable for display on a desk, bookshelf, or mantelpiece. As a bonus, each tribute Lucite acrylic Frame Tree planting Certificate Lifestyleincludes a handmade seed paper heart that can be planted (instructions are printed on the back) to grow a small patch of wildflowers. A complete thoughtful and memorable package.

Reason 3. The Gifted Tree helps you find the right words to write on the tribute certificate.

Ever struggle to find just the right words, be it a sad or happy occasion? We all do from time to time. We can take a little weight off your shoulders by offering a range of heartfelt message options for you to include on your gift tree certificate. Just click on the one that feels right for you and that is what we will print on your certificate. Or if inspiration does strike, you can write your own. Either way, your voice and sentiments shine through showing your support, providing comfort, and making a lasting impact in a unique and different way.

Reason 4. Quick Turn Around

The Gifted Tree realizes that getting the tribute to the recipient in a timely fashion is vital. You want them to know that you are thinking of them. That is why we produce and get your tribute in the mail quickly. Usually your order is completed within one business day, and many times the same day we receive your order. Of course, for a speedier delivery, our premium animated digital eCards do the trick awesomely and quickly.

Reason 5. The Gifted Tree offers virtual tours of the planting project areas.

Bing Earth Maps - Virtual Visit ColoradoNot only does The Gifted Tree plant your gift tree to help restore fire-damaged or climate change affected forests, or replant trees in impoverished communities, we provide more. Each of our tributes contains an insert explaining how the recipient can learn more about the planting project where their gift tree is planted (which is indicated on the tribute certificate). Additionally, there is a link to Bing earth maps allowing those with a computer or smart phone the opportunity to virtually view the general area of their tree planting. We want you to know how your trees is making a lasting difference in the world.

Reason 6. Superb customer service

When we started planting gift trees in 2013, one thing that struck me was that many of our competitors did not have a listed phone number contact or chat feature. The Gifted Tree offers both. If you would like to speak to a human, our toll-free number (800-984-2101) is listed at the top of every one of our website pages. We are available to personally answer questions so that you are comfortable with what you are ordering. If a phone call is not your thing, The Gifted Tree has a chat function available during business hours, and of course the ability to send us an email, which we will answer promptly. Our customer comments focus on our superb customer service and further highlight why we are the “Company With a Personal Touch.”

Reason 7. The Gifted Tree is a trusted and accredited organization.

Better Business Bureau Logo showing The Gifted Tree is an Accredited Business

We are a member of the Better Business Bureau and meet their rigorous standards to be a trusted organization. We realize in this day and age it is important to know that we are doing what we claim to be doing. We only want you to expect the best and feel comfortable in ordering from us. I am not aware of any of our competitors being able to boast of the same.

There you have it, the seven reasons why The Gifted tree is different and better than our competitors. We ask you to put us to the test! I know you will be impressed.

P.S. Of course while putting this list together, we came up with a few bonus reasons:

  • Optional card enclosure available when you want to add a personal message that might not be right to have on the certificate.
  • Our Trees for a Cause Grove allows you to not only plant a tree but have part of the proceeds of your order benefit a specific charity.
  • Finally, our certificates are hand-created by a human, not a computer. A second set of eyes, so to speak. Therefore, on the chance that there is a spelling or grammatical error on your order, we can correct it before sending (or contact you to verify.) And, we arrange the certificate in the best looking way because we know this gift represents you!

Get Started With The Gifted Tree

If you’re ready to get started with selecting your next gift tree for that special occasion or as a way to remember a loved one, look no further than The Gifted Tree. Have more questions? Visit our FAQ page to learn more or contact us today to get help.

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How To Know The Right Time To Send a Tree Gift    

Mother and Daughter embracing

At The Gifted Tree we speak to many customers every day. Most are calling to plant a memorial tree for a family member, friend or someone they did not even know but are related to someone they know. They are genuinely touched to be able to connect with someone special to them and know that it helps the recipient in a time of grieving. Before ending the call with the customer, I always mention to think of The Gifted Tree during happier times, such as a wedding or birthday. This surprises them and the most common response is “Oh, I never thought about that as an occasion to plant a tree.” The fact is a gift tree in honor or celebration fits any occasion and boy does this world need to plant more trees!

The World Needs More Trees Planted

The news is full of stories about the growing deforestation issue in this country and around the world. The Australian bushfires are currently a daily news item and before that is was the fires in the Amazon rain forest. Fires are not the only destructive element existing. Disease is another major issue. Just this past week, my newspaper in Cleveland, Ohio had a headline talking about the shrinking tree canopy (https://bit.ly/2GyQwHK ). In the last decade, 5,000 football fields worth of trees are gone, and that is in only one county. The emerald ash bore is a major culprit (I lost 10 ash trees in my back yard in the last year to this disease), but so are more violent storms caused by climate change. Clear-cutting for suburban residential and industrial projects is another big factor. And this problem is not going away. Millions and millions of trees will need to be planted, and The Gifted Tree is here to help.

A Gift Tree Fits Any Occasion – Even Happy Ones!

When a colleague loses a parent or a friend’s dog dies, planting a memorial tree is an ideal way to express sympathy. But as mentioned above, gifting a tree fits every occasion. A birthday tree makes sense, especially for an older person who probably doesn’t need another “thing.” A wedding is another occasion where a gift tree will resonate with the couple as they look to establish their roots. Miss the wedding gift opportunity, don’t fret, a first or fifth anniversary gives you another opportunity. The first anniversary is the paper anniversary (paper comes from trees, get it?). And something I just learned; wood is the traditional gift for the fifth anniversary, so a tree fits perfectly.

Other situations also call for the planting of a gift tree. Acknowledging a teacher or coach who has gone above and beyond as well as honoring the birth of a baby who will grow as the gift tree blossoms and grows. Celebrating landing a dream job, getting a promotion or moving into a new home, all gift tree giving opportunities.

Don’t forget about planting a gift tree for a retirement or graduation. Or just a general “thinking of you” tree where you can let the recipient know that our lives are happier, richer, and more beautiful because of you, and with the planting of this tree in their honor, now our world will be too.

How To Write a Sympathy Letter Heart Tree

Gift Trees To Celebrate a Holiday? Yes!

But another reason I bring this up is that holidays are a perfect opportunity to give a gift tree. With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, surprise a sweetheart with the planting of a gift tree. He or she will be more than touched by the gesture. They will realize that this is a gift to the world too!

Gift Trees – A Gift To The World Too

As you can see, there are many ways to celebrate or honor someone with the planting of a gift tree.  And at The Gifted Tree, you can let your writing talents shine through too as each certificate has space for a custom, personalized message. But don’t stress if you struggle to find the right words.  We all do from time to time, and The Gifted Tree can take a little weight off your shoulders by offering a range of heartfelt message options for you to include on your gift tree certificate. You can write your own message or use one of our suggestions. Either way, we’ll make sure your voice and your sentiments shine through. When all is said and done, not only does planting a gift tree fit every occasion, but you are giving the world a gift too!

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Support Our Military Kids & Help Fight Climate Change w/ our Trees for a Cause Program

Connect Personally - Benefit Globally - Support A Cause

The Gifted Tree has always helped the earth by planting trees worldwide to counteract the devastating effects of forest fires and climate change, but we have added a new wrinkle. Your gift tree will still help you connect with someone special to you and give the world a gift, too, but now you can also help support a meaningful cause.

Announcing Our Trees for a Cause Planting Program

The Gifted Tree’s Trees for a Cause charity donation program is a win-win-win partnership. Win 1 = Connect on a personal level with someone important to you and show them you care. Win 2 = By planting a tree, you are helping the earth, counteracting the devastating effects of forest fires and climate change. Win 3 = Directly help the hard work of a worthwhile cause by planting your gift tree in a charity-specific “Giving Grove,” located in a U.S. National Forest. When you choose our Trees for a Cause program, The Gifted Tree will donate 10% of the purchase price to that organization to help fund their valuable programs.

Our Military Kids Logo - Empowering Military Kids

Our Military Kids Partnership with the Gifting Tree

Our first partnership is with Our Military Kids. Their “Giving Grove” is called the Empower Tree Grove and is located in a U.S. National Forest. Since 2004, Our Military Kids has empowered military kids by funding sports, arts, and other enrichment activities when their parents are deployed overseas with the National Guard or Reserves or recovering from severe injuries sustained in a post-9/11 overseas mission.

National Guard and Reserve families sometimes have trouble accessing support services from military installations. During deployments, these families may lose income when their military member leaves a civilian job to accept a military position overseas. The loss of income and lack of resources can create gaps that are hard on families. Our Military Kids fills these gaps with a simple grant program that pays for their children’s activities.

Wheel-chair bound amputee military father helping his daughter on the playgroundWhen military members are injured in service to our country, their families face many changes. They may have to move closer to medical care or change their comfortable routines. Children must often take a back seat while parents deal with more pressing issues related to medical care, financial strains, and other adult responsibilities. Our Military Kids grants ease the financial strain on parents while giving their children the chance to participate in positive activities that will help them laugh, grow, and feel connected to the community.

The History of Our Military Kids

In early 2004, Our Military Kids started small, with a pilot program focused on a National Guard unit from Winchester, Va. The pilot program was extremely successful, and they expanded to help all deployed Reserve and National Guard families living throughout Virginia.
Air Force father holding his daughter

Calls from deploying soldiers were sometimes heartbreaking. Feeling the need to help more children cope with the challenges brought on by lengthy separations, Our Military Kids began covering families living in Maryland, the District of Columbia and, eventually, the entire United States.

In 2008, Our Military Kids expanded its program once again, this time to include children of service members and veterans from all branches of service who were severely injured in post-9/11 combat operations, and whose families were struggling to deal with financial and emotional hardships.

Today, Our Military Kids is a national organization, funded entirely by private donors, foundations and corporate sponsors. Since its inception, the group has provided more than 67,000 grants to military families across the country, allowing military kids the opportunity to participate in sports, arts and other activities while their parents are deployed or recovering from severe injuries sustained in combat. Participation in these activities helps military children cope with stress and build self-confidence while their parents are recovering or serving overseas.

4-Star Rated Nonprofit Organization

While The Gifted Tree is so impressed with the mission of Our Military Kids, we are also attracted to the group’s financial acumen and transparency.  Our Military Kids has earned the highest possible 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator, the leading charity watchdog organization. Because of the group’s careful money management, a high percentage of donation dollars is going directly to fund kids’ grants, something that is important to The Gifted Tree and guided its decision to include the organization in our Trees for a Cause program.
Two Our Military Kids children proudly holding their grant award certificates

How Our Charity Tree Donation Program Works

If you want to plant a tree in memory of, in celebration of or in honor of someone close to you and make a difference in a child’s life, consider our Trees for a Cause option. Ten percent (10%) of the purchase price of your gift tree will be donated to the organization to directly help fund its programs, which can ease stress for military kids by paying for participation in sports, fine arts, & tutoring programs while their parents are serving their country overseas or recovering from battle wounds.

Back our charity donation program by choosing the Trees for a Cause planting location and help support Our Military Kids.

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How to show you care: This way really rocks.

 

Beautiful assortment of painted rocks with inspirational messages painted on them

Here at The Gifted Tree, we receive comments from many of you who have received gift trees, and one common thread throughout is that the planting of a gift tree shows that the gift giver really cares. Whether it is to honor a lost loved one or to celebrate one of life’s milestone events, the recipient mentions how it is one of the most thoughtful gifts they have ever received.

The other day, I was on my typical weekend hike in the park when I sat down on a bench to get some wood chips out of my shoe. When I bent down to take off my shoe, I happened to notice a beautifully painted rock sitting in the grass next to one of the legs of the bench. Not only did the sun reflecting off the purple color catch my attention, but the beautifully painted design, along with the words “Life is beautiful, enjoy every moment,” could not be ignored.

I picked the rock up for a closer inspection, and on the other side were painted words directing me to the website GoRock.com.  Painted rock with GoRock website URL and identifier number painted on the bottomPutting the rock in my water bottle holder pouch, I logged onto the website once I was back in my office. I discovered that this wasn’t some random rock that had fallen out of a kid’s backpack, but it had purposely been placed for someone to find, and that someone was me. Online, I could type in the rock identifier number on the label and discover where the rock was painted and the path it had taken before I discovered it.

It brought a smile to my face, and also the realization that the person who painted this rock had some of the same motives as our gift tree customers – wanting to show he or she cares. Just as The Gifted Tree plants gift trees in 20+ locations around the world, GoRock is a global community of rock painters spreading positive vibes all over the world, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, New Zealand and Australia.

And just as you can virtually visit the areas around the world where your gift tree has been planted, on GoRock.com, you can see how many people have found that rock, and on a virtual world map, the journey that rock has taken around the globe.

Beautifully painted rock with inspirational message laying next to tree trunkAnd just as planting a gift tree can help you express your feelings, show you care, and connect on a personal level with someone important to you, finding a simple painted rock can help spread love, joy, and inspiration. Both gift trees and painted rocks stand out and have a lasting impact. Now I just must decide where I will re-hide the rock so that I can bring a smile to someone else’s face and have them create their own story of discovery!

 

Yours treely,

Doug

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How Planting Gift Trees Benefits the Air We Breathe

 

Lone tree in a field with magnificent sunset

Last week was World Environment Day, the United Nations’ day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action to protect our environment. This year’s theme was Air Pollution and asking the world to come together to beat it. Unarguably, air pollution is a complex matter, but also unarguably, the planting of trees is definitely a step in the right direction for improving the quality of the air that we all breathe.

The relationship between trees and air pollution is a complicated one, but with half a football field of forest destroyed every second, we need to understand the impact the loss of trees will have on the quality of our air, and how planting trees will benefit all of us.

Trying to keep this as simple as possible, heat from the earth is trapped in the atmosphere due to high levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other heat-trapping gases that prohibit it from releasing the heat into space. This creates a phenomenon known today as the “greenhouse effect.” Trees help by removing CO2 from the atmosphere during photosynthesis to form carbohydrates that are used in plant structure/function and return oxygen back into the atmosphere as a byproduct. Roughly half of the greenhouse effect is caused by CO2. Therefore, trees act as carbon sinks, alleviating the greenhouse effect.Trees in a Forest

In urban areas, trees also reduce the greenhouse effect by shading houses and office buildings. This reduces the need for air conditioning by up to 30 percent which in turn reduces the amount of fossil fuels burned to produce electricity. The combination of CO2 removal from the atmosphere, carbon storage in wood and the cooling effect makes trees extremely efficient tools in fighting the greenhouse effect and thus, air pollution.

Trees also remove gaseous air pollution by uptake via leaf stomata or simply, the leaf pores.  Trees absorb odors and pollutant gases (nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxide and ozone) and intercept airborne particulates (major health hazards in air pollution) out of the air by trapping them on their leaves and bark. Trees along urban roadways can reduce the presence of fine particulate matter in the atmosphere within a few hundred yards of the roadside verge. All of this scientific jargon basically means that trees reduce the concentration of bad stuff in the air that we breathe

Planting trees remains one of the most cost-effective means of drawing excess CO2 from the atmosphere. If every American family planted one tree, the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere would be reduced by one billion pounds annually. This equates to almost 5 percent of the amount that human activity pumps into the atmosphere each year.

Taken together, there is no doubt that trees provide a net positive benefit to the environment, which is why it is almost uniformly true that neighborhoods with lots of trees command greater housing values than Runner in a tree lined urban parkwaythose without. You can help by planting memorial gift trees and gift trees celebrating milestone events for people or pets. The Gifted Tree makes it easy to do, and with our innovative and amazing presentation certificates, it will show you care, as well as make a difference.  Plant your gift tree to help forests devastated by fire or climate change, and improve the quality of the air we breathe!

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