Arbor Day - 2007
Arbor Day is an annual observance that celebrates the role of trees in our lives and encourages the care of and planting of trees. It was first observed as a formal holiday in 1872 in Nebraska, but tree planting festivals are as old as civilization. The tree has appeared throughout history and in literature as a symbol of life.
The idea for the first Arbor Day came from J. Sterling Morton. He was a pioneer who moved from Detroit to the Nebraska Territory in 1854. As a journalist and editor of Nebraska’s first newspaper, he spread the word about the importance of planting trees in the then treeless plains. Morton was instrumental in getting Nebraska to pass a resolution “to set aside one day to plant trees, both forest and fruit” in 1872. His idea quickly spread to other states and territories. Today Arbor Day is celebrated in all 50 states and in many other countries.
Most holidays celebrate a past event, but Arbor Day reflects a hope for the future. Trees planted on Arbor Day show concern for future generations. The simple act of planting a tree exhibits a belief that the tree will grow and, some day, provide wood products, wildlife habitat, erosion control, shelter from wind and sun, and beauty and inspiration for ourselves, our children, and our grand children.
National Arbor Day is observed on the last Friday in April, but individual states celebrate it on a date appropriate for tree planting in their region. This year Farmville will celebrate Arbor Day on March 24th at the Train Station. Please come between the hours of 10:00 am and 1:00 pm and receive a seedling of a Jamestown Cherrybark oak. These seedlings have been grown exclusively by the Virginia Department of Forestry from acorns hand collected by Virginia Department of Forestry foresters from Jamestown Island. These beautiful trees were one of the prized discoveries made by the colonists when they arrived at Jamestown in 1607. The first product shipped from the Colony to England was oak lumber. Some boards were 4 feet wide and 40 feet long and would be used for fine furniture and building construction. Planting an historic tree is a perfect way to celebrate both the 400th Anniversary of the Founding of Jamestown and Arbor Day.
There will also be educational exhibits and tree planting demonstrations on that day.
Farmville has, for the first time, been named as a Tree City USA. The presentation of this award will take place on Arbor Day, March 24. Tree City USA indicates Farmville’s commitment to using trees “to help clean the air, conserve soil and water, moderate temperature, and bring nature into our daily lives. Trees provide environmental and economical benefits.” This award was made possible by the efforts of many people in the town, but especially by the hard work of the horticulturist David Fowlkes.
Mayor Sid Newman signs an annual Arbor Day proclamation “encouraging citizens to plant and care for trees to gladden the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations“.
In addition to the trees being given away on Arbor Day, the Woman’s Club of Buckingham County will have a tree giveaway on April 14 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. This will be held at the Buckingham Art Center, next to the Buckingham County Extension Office in Buckingham Courthouse.
Consider planting one or, even better, several trees at your home, business, and other locations in your community. Some things to take into account when selecting trees to plant include which trees are suitable to the climate, soil conditions, water availability, and size restrictions. Take into consideration overhead wires and room for roots to grow without interfering with patios, sidewalks, or streets.
Six “tree-needs” to consider when choosing a tree are:
1. Temperature: Trees have a limit to the cold they can withstand and continue to prosper. Check hardiness zones before selecting a tree. This area of Virginia is in zones 6 and 7. A Hardiness Zone map can be found on Arborday.com. By entering your 5 digit zip code at the Arborday.com website, you can pinpoint hardiness information for your location. The Arborday.com website also has information about which trees are hardy for planting in different zones.
2. Moisture: Each species can tolerate wet or dry conditions to a different degree.
3. Light: “Shade tolerance” is a term foresters use to rate the light requirements of each species of tree.
4. Pests: Every locality has problems with a particular insect or disease. Some trees are more susceptible to a certain disease than others.
5. Soil: Soil depth, structure, pH, and moisture can make a difference between success and failure with a tree. Each species has its preferences.
6. Air pollutants: Chemicals in the air vary with localities: some trees are more tolerant of air pollution than others.
Another big factor to think about is why the tree is being planted.
Is the tree being planted to save energy?
To provide shade?
To beautify the grounds?
To provide wildlife habitat?
To serve as a windbreak?
In buying a tree to plant, select one with good physical characteristics.
Bare roots seedlings should have strong, fibrous, moist roots. Container grown trees should have no large circling roots, and the soil and roots of the tree should be joined tightly together. Feel down into the top of the pot to determine the health of the roots.
Plant correctly.
Generally speaking, a tree that is correctly planted will grow twice as fast and live at least twice as long as one that is incorrectly planted. That is a rather amazing statement and needs repeating! “A tree that is correctly planted will grow twice as fast and live at least twice as long as one that is incorrectly planted.”
For a containerized tree, loosen the soil by digging an area one foot deep and approximately five times the diameter of the root ball. Prepared soil will encourage root growth beyond the root ball and result in a healthier tree. Plant the tree at the same depth it stood in the nursery. Pack the soil firmly, but not tightly, around the root ball and water the soil. Place a protective 3-foot circle of mulch around the tree, but not touching the trunk. The mulch should not be higher than 3 inches.
Bare root trees or seedlings should be unpacked and soaked in water for 3 to 6 hours before planting. Do not let roots dry out and do not plant with packing material attached. Dig a hole wider than seems necessary. Remove any grass within a 3 foot circle. Plant the tree at the same depth it was growing at the nursery. Fill the hole part way and firm the soil around the lower roots. Do not add soil amendments. Finish filling the hole with soil. Build a water-holding basin around the tree and water thoroughly. Newly planted trees should be watered generously every week to 10 days during dry weather for the first year.
Mulch.
Mulch is a young tree’s best friend. It discourages weed growth, retains moisture, prevents soil cracking that can damage new roots, helps prevent soil compaction, and protects the trunk from lawnmower or string cutter damage. Organic mulches such as wood chips or pine needles contribute to better soil structure and aeration as they decompose. Do not allow the mulch to touch the trunk of the tree and do not pile mulch more than 3 inches high.
Arbor Day is observed through out the nation and around the world.
As the Arbor Day Proclamation states:
Trees can reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, lower our heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen and provide habitat for wildlife and
Trees are a renewable resource giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires and countless other wood products and
Trees increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community and
Trees, wherever they are planted are a source of joy and spiritual renewal
Therefore plant and care for trees to gladden the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations.
Written by members of the Heart of Virginia Master Gardeners
posted 3/1/07