Arbor Day Tree Care Tips
In celebration of Arbor Day this year, we will be sharing Tree Care Tips on social media leading up to the big day! Arbor Day, which translates to “tree” day from the Latin origin of the word arbor, is a holiday that celebrates the planting, upkeep, and preservation of trees. For centuries, communities spanning the globe have found various ways to honor nature and the environment. Get outside and celebrate on Friday, April 28.
It's said that 1 million trees were planted that day in 1872. Farmers, homesteaders, and townspeople across the state answered the call proclaimed by the Nebraska State Board of Agriculture that a holiday be set aside to plant trees. It was the first.
The idea struck a chord, and soon neighboring states followed suit, then every state in the nation. Why? Because trees are important.
Pictured is the Bondurant Tree Board that helps lead our community in planning and planting thoughtful, beautiful, healthy, and sustainable trees and growing Bondurant’s tree canopy. Pictured from left to right: BrandonClough, Nic Robinson, Jill Sanders, Kristi Walmsley, and Cody Case
Last year the City made strides in strengthening the tree canopy in Bondurant, which includes a Street Tree Program. The Street Tree Program allows residents to plant trees between the sidewalk and the street curb. More trees planted along the street will reduce speeding in your neighborhood, cool the heat that radiates from the pavement, and block the wind, and we all know it improves air quality by removing various air pollutants. Find more details about the Street Tree Program https://www.cityofbondurant.com/public-works-department/pages/street-tree-program
Tree Care Tip #1
Pick the right type of tree when planting new trees:
Are you planting the tree for aesthetics, privacy, shade/energy reduction, windbreak, or as a street tree? Your end goal will be determining the suitability of different trees.
Plan what is the right type of tree. What is your hardness zone? What is the maximum height and spread for a tree in the space you want to plant? What is the sun exposure and soil conditions?
Remember, find the right tree for the right place. Short, flowering trees do not clash with overhead utility lines. Large deciduous trees on the southeast, southwest, and west provide cooling shade in the summer but do not obstruct the warming winter sunlight. An evergreen windbreak to the north blocks cold winds in winter.
Tree Care Tips #2
Pick the right type of tree when planting new trees:
Select a healthy tree.
If you are selecting a bare-root seedling, the roots should be moist and fibrous. Deciduous seedlings should have roots about equal to stem length.
If you are selecting balled and burlapped trees, the root ball should be firm to the touch, especially near the trunk. The root ball should be adequate for the tree’s size.
If you are selecting a container-grown tree, the container should not contain large, circling roots. Pruned roots should be cut cleanly, none wider than a finger. Soil and roots should be joined tightly.
Tree Care Tips #3
Mulching
After your tree is planted, mulch is a newly planted tree’s best friend. It insulates the soil, helping to provide a buffer from heat and cold. It retains water to help the roots stay moist. Keeps weeds out to avoid root competition. Prevents soil compaction and reduces lawn mower damage.
Remember these steps when mulching your tree:
Remove any grass within a 3-foot area.
Pour natural mulch such as wood chips or bark pieces 2 to 4 inches deep within the circle.
Keep the mulch from touching the trunk of the tree.
Tree Care Tips #4
Water
Tree watering is a key part of tree care, but it is difficult to recommend an exact amount due to the variety of climates. A few guidelines will help you to water your trees properly.
Newly planted trees – For new trees, water immediately after you plant a tree. Usually, 30 seconds with a steady stream of water from a garden hose with a diffuser nozzle per tree seedling is sufficient.
During the first two years – During the first two growing seasons, your newly planted tree is expending a lot of energy trying to get its roots established in the soil. Especially ding the first few summers of your new tree's life; it will have a difficult time dealing with heat and drought. Make this easier by providing water and covering the soil with wood-chip mulch. Deep watering can help speed the root establishment. Deep water consists of keeping the soil moist to a depth that includes all the roots.
Tree Care Tips #5
How much water and when?
Not enough is harmful to the tree, but too much water is bad as well. Over-watering is a common tree care mistake. Soil moisture can be checked by inserting a garden trowel into the ground to a depth of two inches, then moving the blade of the trowel back and forth to create a small narrow trench. Then use your finger to touch the soil. If it is moist to the touch, then do not water.
Drought-tolerant species
If your area continually deals with drought conditions, you will want to consider trees listed as drought-tolerant, such as White Fir Arizona Cypress or Kentucky Coffeetree.
Moisture-tolerant species
If your area continually deals with larger amounts of moisture or wet conditions, consider trees listed for doing well in wet conditions, such as Baldcypress, Red Maple, or RiverBirch.
Tree Care Tips #6
Pruning
Pruning is important for a healthy tree.
When to prune depends on why you are pruning. Light pruning and the removal of dead wood can be done anytime.
Winter pruning – Pruning done during dormancy is the most common. This will result in a vigorous burst of new growth in the spring. It is usually best to do this when the coldest part of winter has passed.
Summer pruning – To direct growth by slowing the branches you do not want or “dwarf” the development of a tree or branch, pruning should be done soon after seasonal growth is complete. Another reason to prune in the summer is for corrective purposes. Defective limbs can be seen more easily.
Enhancing flowering trees – Trees that bloom in spring prune when their flowers fade. Trees and shrubs that flower in mid-to-late summer should be pruned in winter or early spring.
Don’t prune in the fall – Decay fungi spread their spores profusely in the fall, and wounds seem to heal more slowly on fall cuts; this is a good time to leave your pruning tools alone.
National Arbor Day is a day to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. Trees represent hope and resilience. When you commit to celebrating Arbor Day, you’re doing more than helping put trees in the ground. You’re saying Yes to a healthier world.
Bondurant City Council issued a proclamation declaring April 28 as a day to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands. Whereas trees can reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce life-giving oxygen, and provide habitat for wildlife. Trees are renewable resources giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires, and countless other wood products. Trees in our City increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community. Trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal.
Pictured is the Bondurant Tree Board receiving the Arbor Day Proclamation in honor of their support in the Bondurant community. Pictured from left to right: Brian Clough, Bob Peffer, and Jill Sanders.
