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Discovering the Joy of Trees

Trees come in all shapes and sizes-so many that it can be almost impossible to tell them apart.

Trees come in all shapes and sizes-so many that it can be almost impossible to tell them apart. How do you know if you're admiring a red maple or an amur maple, a Colorado blue or an Engelmann spruce?

"Helping people enjoy and appreciate trees is very important," says The National Arbor Day Foundation President John Rosenow. "Being able to identify trees is important to knowing how to care for them and how to plant the right tree in the right place."

The Foundation was founded in 1972 as a nonprofit education organization dedicated to tree planting and environmental stewardship. The Foundation is committed to advancing tree planting through the celebration of Arbor Day. National Arbor Day is the last Friday in April, falling this year on April 28, although some states celebrate the tree planting holiday on dates best suited to their own climate. As we prepare to celebrate the first Arbor Day of the new millennium, The National Arbor Day Foundation suggests these simple guidelines for planting your trees:

Planting a Containerized Tree

If a tree is planted correctly, it will grow twice as fast and live at least twice as long as one that is planted incorrectly. Ideally, dig or rototill an area one foot deep and approximately five times the diameter of the root ball. The prepared soil will encourage root growth beyond the root ball and results in a healthier tree.

In transplanting, be sure to keep soil around the roots. Always handle your tree by the ball, not by the trunk or branches. Don't let the root ball dry out. Help prevent root girdling by vertically cutting any roots that show tendencies to circle the root ball. After placing the tree, pack soil firmly but not tightly around the root ball. Water the soil and place a protective 3-foot circle of mulch around the tree.

Planting a Bare-root Tree

It is best to plant bare-root trees immediately, in order to keep the fragile roots from drying out. If you can't plant because of weather or soil conditions, store the trees in a cool place and keep the roots moist.

Unpack tree and soak in water 6-12 hours. Do not plant with packing materials attached to roots, and do not allow roots to dry out. Dig a hole, wider than seems necessary, so the roots can spread without crowding. Remove any grass within a 3-foot circular area. To aid root growth, turn soil in an area up to three feet in diameter.

Plant the tree at the same depth it stood in the nursery, without crowding the roots. Partially fill the hole, firming the soil around the lower roots. Do not add extra soil amenities.

Shovel in the remaining soil. It should be firmly, but not tightly, packed with your heel. Construct a water-holding basin around the tree. Give the tree plenty of water. After the water has soaked in, place a 2-inch deep protective mulch area three feet in diameter around the base of the tree (but not touching the trunk). Water the tree generously every week or 10 days during the first year.

The Value of Mulch

Mulch is a tree's best friend. It insulates soil, retains moisture, keeps out weeds, prevents soil compaction, reduces lawnmower damage, and adds an aesthetic touch to a yard or street. Remove any grass within the mulch area, and area from 3-10 feet in diameter, depending on tree size. Pour wood chips or bark pieces 2-4 inches within the circle, but not touching the trunk.

Arbor Day was the idea of J. Sterling Morton, who initiated the first celebration on April 10, 1872. Morton migrated to Nebraska in 1854 and became editor of the Nebraska Territory's first newspaper. He soon came to national prominence as a political and agricultural leader, serving as acting territorial governor from 1858 to 1859 and as Grover Cleveland's secretary of agriculture from 1893 to 1897. Throughout his life, he also maintained his Nebraska City roots, leading innovative efforts at agriculture and arboriculture. His Nebraska City home, Arbor Lodge, is now a state historical park.

Morton's vision was a simple one-to encourage people to make their homes and nation better and healthier by planting trees. Morton said, "Each generation takes the earth as trustees. We ought to bequeath to posterity as many forests and orchards as we have exhausted and consumed."

To help in choosing the trees that are right for your region, The National Arbor Day Foundation has put together What Tree Is That, a popular tree identification guide that is fun and easy to use. This handy booklet comes in two editions, one for trees commonly found in the Eastern and Central United States, and the other for Western states, or those from the Rocky Mountains to the West Coast. Each is available for $3.00 post-paid.

These comprehensive, pocket-size guides help you identify trees based on their leaves, flowers, fruit, and twig characteristics, among other things. Information is cross-referenced and clearly illustrated to make it even handier, and the booklet also contains information on hardiness zones across the United States and a glossary of common tree terms. Tree-loving travelers often buy both Eastern and Western editions.

These are also great for parents driving across country with school age children. Have the kids identify and report on all of the new trees they see. It's a fun and educational way to make traveling more enjoyable. Reward them for the most new trees identified, the most unusual, etc. You'll keep peace in the back seat and maybe learn something yourself.

To order, send your check or money order to The National Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City, NE 68410, and be sure to specify which edition you're requesting. You can also join the Foundation and receive 10 free trees as part of your membership benefits by sending a $10 contribution to Ten Free Trees, c/o The National Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City, NE 68410. These little trees, each 6-12 inches long, are selected for your region and are guaranteed to grow, or they'll be replaced free of charge.

You can learn more about The National Arbor Day Foundation by visiting its Web site, www.arborday.org.

Courtesy of ARA Content, www.aracontent.com, e-mail: info@aracontent.com

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