Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
4/16/01
Contacts:
Chris Feeley, Forestry Extension, (515) 294-1458, cfeeley@iastate.edu
Elaine Edwards, Continuing Education and Communication
Services, (515) 294-5168, eedwards@iastate.edu
Yard and Garden Column for the Week Beginning April 20
Arbor Day in Iowa
By Chris Feeley
Extension Forestry
Iowa State University Extension
After the long winter it is finally safe to say that spring is on its way. What better way to beat the winter blues than to venture outdoors and enjoy the spring flowers, green grass and the trees that are once again leafing out.
Looking back through the previous springs in Iowa you may have noticed that something has changed, fewer trees. From the early maps we can determine that two-thirds of Iowa's original forest is gone. In fact, each year more trees are removed from our urban communities than are planted. Why is this important? Besides enjoying the aesthetics, trees shelter us from wind and sun, buffer noise in cities, reduce energy consumption, improve air quality, provide homes for wildlife and help conserve Iowa's soil and water quality. In the United States, a day has been set aside to encourage tree planting in each state. That day is known as Arbor Day.
The idea for Arbor Day originated during the settlement of the Nebraska Territory. J. Sterling Morton, a journalist and nature enthusiast, was a pioneer to the territory. Morton became the editor of Nebraska's first newspaper where he shared his enthusiasm for trees through his writings. Morton was recognized for his writing and involvement with environmental issues and became secretary of the Nebraska Territory. On Jan. 4, 1872, he proposed a holiday dedicated to tree planting called Arbor Day.
The first Arbor Day in the United States was celebrated on April 10, 1872, in Nebraska. Prizes were awarded during the first celebration to the individuals who correctly planted the most trees. Since that time, states passed their own legislation to observe Arbor Day during times that coincide with the best tree planting weather. In Iowa, Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday in April.
Today, there are numerous communities, volunteer groups, schools, societies and associations that participate in Arbor Day plantings across the state. There are some considerations that need to be made before planting your trees.
First of all, determine the purpose of the tree. Is the planting for shade, wind protection, noise buffer, aesthetics, reforestation or a combination of options? Answering this question will help narrow the number of tree species to choose from.
In addition, consider the planting site. Select a planting site that is clear of above and below ground utility lines and has ample room for a tree to grow. Before purchasing the tree, make certain that the soil type in the planting area is suitable for that tree. Most trees will grow and survive in a variety of soil types, but the best growth and health is achieved in a narrow range of soil types. Check with your local nursery to ensure that the tree selected is adapted to the soil type in the planting area.
Newly purchased trees should be planted as soon as possible to help minimize transplant shock. The month of April offers mild temperatures and adequate moisture levels that help reduce transplant shock, which is one of the reasons why the state of Iowa selected the last Friday in April as Arbor Day.
The planting hole needs to be two to three times the width of the rootball, and deep enough to allow the root collar to be level to slightly higher than the surrounding grade. Planting the tree too deeply prevents the roots from receiving the oxygen need to survive.
Carefully remove the pot, wires or burlap from the rootball before placing the tree in the hole. Gently backfill the hole with the original soil without adding any amendments to the original soil. Once the backfilling is complete, firm up the soil by stepping around the hole to remove extra air pockets that may lead to uneven settling.
Finally, water and add mulch around the tree. Mulch helps maintain the soil moisture, reduces competition from turfgrass and helps eliminate potential mower damage. Add mulch to a depth of 3-4 inches, and avoid having the mulch contact the tree's trunk.
Plan to get involved this Arbor Day on April 27 and plant a tree(s) in your area. Following these basic planting guidelines will help your tree thrive for years to come. What better way to be a steward of the land than to plant a tree, windbreak or woodlot? For further information on planting see Iowa State University Extension publications Community Tree Planting and Care Guide, PM 1591; Planning -- Tree Planting, PM 1676 and Establishment and Care -- Tree Planting, PM 1677. Copies of these publications are available through your local ISU Extension office.
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