The growth of Arborvitaes and a lesson in leading Youth

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Years ago, we planted several trees in our back yard. Nice green Arborvitaes –  grouped as focal points in new garden beds. We gave careful thought to the design. I remember sweating through my shirt as we dug holes and set them in the ground. Our young kids helped, with dirty hands and proud declarations when the trees were straight. 

 

 

All six trees came from the same nursery. All were planted on the same day. All have grown in the same soil & water conditions.

 

Do you want to know the odd thing? Four of these trees have outgrown the other two – by a lot! Three feet taller and twice as fat! Dense, lush branches.

 

Do you want to know the difference? Not much, actually. Same fertilizer, same soil, and same watering. In fact, I see only this difference:

 

1. The two short trees grow beneath the overhanging branches of taller, established cherry trees.

2. The four taller trees grow unrestricted, stretching for the sky.

 

Looking at them, it’s easy to see how the branches of the taller, established trees limit the height of the younger trees growing beneath their protecting limbs. This “ceiling” seems to press down on the Arborvitaes, also limiting sunlight.

 

Is there a moral to this story? You decide. But whenever I look at the shorter Arborvitaes growing beneath the taller, outstretched branches, I think about being a Dad. I think about raising my kids and mentoring young people. I’m reminded that I need to focus my attention on nourishing the soil, fertilizing, watering well, and making way for the sunshine. It’s tempting to be the protecting branches. (In fact, in a hailstorm or scorching summer day, the protection is needed.) But in total, over time, too many branches will limit their growth. It’s so much better to let them reach for the sky.