In the industrial countries, voluntary environmental agreements often provide a platform for companies to be recognized for moving beyond the minimum regulatory standards and thus support the development of the best environmental practice.

The ancient Greeks and Romans were great planters. The Romans have left evidence in their extensive horticultural manuals of how they planted trees. Advice included avoiding damage to roots, digging a large enough hole, and marking a tree with red ochre on one side before it was dug up,

Planting of fruit, nut and ornamental trees in gardens continued in times of peace and prosperity. Once towns and settlements no longer needed to be crowded behind fortifications, space became available for gardens and