This month we celebrate Arbor
Day. You can help celebrate the occasion by planting a tree. Even if
you don't have the space for a tree in your own landscape, consider
donating a tree to a park, cemetery or other public area. Trees
provide not only natural beauty and shade, but also serve our feathered
friends and other critters as well as add more oxygen to our air,
helping reduce carbon dioxide.
Learn more about
trees that do well in your area by visiting with your local Extension
Service. Once you've narrowed down your choices, go to a nursery and
purchase the tree. Be mindful of its mature size and where you plant
it. For example, a 3-foot spruce planted near a home's foundation or
sidewalk will, in a very short time, outgrow its space and encroach into
areas that will make the tree a hazard. As a general rule, plant trees
at least 20 feet away from foundations and sidewalks.
And remember:
before planting, look up! If there are power lines above you, move the
tree to another location.
After you have
planted your new tree, you will need to remember to water the
surrounding root ball to get it established. Don't drown your new tree,
but at least watering should be done once a week and more frequently in
hot windy weather.
By planting a
tree or two, you will have done your part for Arbor Day, and you and
others to follow will appreciate the beauty you have given to your home
landscape or community area.
To learn more about which trees
grow best in Wyoming, CLICK HERE. 
