Released April 18, 2008
LINCOLN, Neb. -— In the last 30 years, Nebraska has lost nearly half its community forest resources.
As Arbor Day approaches April 25, individuals and communities can help reverse this decline by properly planting a tree to commemorate the state's rich tree-planting heritage.
"Over the years, storms, diseases, insects and even old age have taken their toll on our community forests," said Jessica Kelling, ReTree Nebraska coordinator. "This makes it even more crucial to celebrate Arbor Day by planting trees in communities across the state."
When placed and planted properly, trees provide many benefits such as reducing energy costs, beautifying the landscape and improving the environment.
To ensure newly planted trees will thrive, Kelling offers the following tips:
- Choose a tree based on function and form first, then aesthetics. Consider the tree's purpose in the landscape. Once determining its purpose and benefits, consider things such as color and flowers.
- Consider the tree's mature size when choosing its location. If there isn't room for the tree to grow and mature, the planting won't be successful. When a planting spot is selected, spread a garden hose in a circle to help visualize the tree's mature canopy spread. This also will help prevent planting too close to existing structures.
- Make sure the tree is not planted too deep. The planting hole should be twice as wide and as deep as the root ball. Be sure to remove excess soil from the top of the root ball to locate the tree's primary lateral roots. These should be located at or just below the surface.
- Promote tree health with mulch. A 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch will protect tree roots from weather extremes, conserve moisture and eliminate weed and grass competition. Keep mulch from resting against the base of the trunk and don't apply too much mulch. These can both trap excess moisture at the base of the trunk and around the roots, resulting in insect and disease problems.
- Provide supplemental water for the first year or until the tree is established. The amount of water a newly planted tree needs depends on the species planted and soil type. Water the tree at planting and again the next day. After this, use a screwdriver to test the soil. If soil moisture is adequate, it should be fairly easy to push the screwdriver into the ground 6 to 8 inches. If the ground is dry, it will be difficult to push the screwdriver in beyond a couple of inches. Automatic irrigation systems typically provide too much water for a new tree.
For more information about proper planting techniques, ReTree Nebraska or to see what Arbor Day activities are going on across the state, visit ReTree Nebraska at http://www.retreenebraska.unl.edu/.
ReTree Nebraska is a cooperative effort of the Nebraska Forest Service, Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, University of Nebraska Rural Initiative, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Nebraska Community Forestry Council and the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at UNL.
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http://ianrnews.unl.edu/static/0804181.shtml
Contacts: Jessica Kelling, (402) 472-0220
Becky Erdkamp, (402) 472-9869
