Spring Tree Planting: Plant a Tree for Arbor Day
Today, the third Friday in April, is Colorado's Arbor Day, and National Arbor Day takes place the fourth Friday in April. Regardless of which day you celebrate, spring is a great time to think about planting new trees. It gives them a long growing season to get settled into their new home.
Before you plant another flowering crabapple tree, try something different. Many arborists recommend planting a diversity of trees in your yard throughout a neighborhood and within the community.
Tree diversity not only adds interest and variety, it also helps make our urban forest less susceptible to widespread damage from pests. When too many of the same type of tree are planted together, it's a set-up for problems with diseases and insects such as Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). Arborists recommend no more than 10% of trees be the same variety. If one variety succumbs to pest or disease, there will be others reaching maturity to provide shade and to clean the air.
Other Benefits of Planting Trees
- Planting a native tree supports native birds and other wildlife.
- During one year, a mature tree will absorb more than 48 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen in exchange.
- According to the US Forest Service, homes with street trees in Portland, Oregon sold for $7,130 more, on average, and 1.7 days more quickly.
- Trees and shrubs planted for windbreaks can cut fuel consumption by an average 40%, according to the US Department of Energy.
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Trees