Be truthful here: when was the last time you did that? Did it hug you back?
Arbor Day is here again! It's the 125th anniversary, in fact. There are so many reasons to celebrate trees, it's hard to know where to begin. So we'll start with the oldest tree, an ancient bristlecone pine --older than the giant sequoia by a millenium -- and move on to the largest trees(sequoias) ... and skip ahead to the fastest growing tree in America! And for you rain forest fans, here is a most colorful link!
If you have a venerable and treasured tree you think should be on the National Register, talk to these people!
Speaking of trees, the Arbor Day folks give away trees, and although it's a little late in the season, you may still be able to get a few if you contact them soon. But before you dash out to plant a tree from either that program or the garden center or the local whatever store, please take a few minutes to consider which type of tree to plant and where to put it.
A tree is a long-term proposition, so the selection process deserves some thought and a little research. This overview is thoroughly dry but one of the BEST thoughtful, concise and systematic approaches to explaining the tree selection process I have ever seen on the internet or in print. Please take some time to study it BEFORE you plant that tree.* It is from "cold" Minnesota, but please don't let that stop you! If you are leaning toward evergreens, see this document, too!*
Please take a little time to consider the long-term effects of your tree! Planting a tree is a great experience, so we might as well work along in harmony WITH nature. A well-sited and well-planted shade tree will probably outlive us. Now that is a humbling thought.
Tree selection is NOT simple. It is complex, and although it includes aesthetic considerations, there are key aspects of plant health and suitability for the selected spot. Any plant in the wrong place is a weed. So don't plant a tree that will become a weed! Plant a grand tree someone will thank you for! It may be a humble redbud or a great oak, but let it be healthy and in the right place!
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