The Emporia Gazette

May 27, 2012

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Arbor Day is celebrated each year, nationally and in Kansas, on the last Friday in April — tomorrow.

It is a day we recognize the benefits of the trees around us and hopefully plant more trees in our own yards and within our community.

Trees enhance our surroundings. They make areas for shopping or recreation more enjoyable. They keep us cool in the summer and protect us in the winter.

They can reduce energy costs and increase property values. They provide food and habitat for wildlife. And, through the process of photosynthesis, trees produce oxygen that we all need to breathe. Can you imagine a community without trees?

Planting a tree is a noble act, but one of patience. Typically, trees do not provide instant gratification. They require time. They require attention. Its not enough to stick them in the ground and shout, “GROW!” They should be selected carefully, planted well and maintained properly.

Someone once said, “the best time to plant a tree was 100 years ago; the second best time is today!” (But tomorrow works, too)

Make it a family ritual to plant a tree each year for Arbor Day. If space is limited in your yard, check with your church or school about planting a tree there. It’s rewarding to see the tree grow over the years.

Before planting, always look up, look down and look around. Check for overhead and below ground utilities. Always call 1-800-DIG-SAFE (a free, industry-sponsored, underground utility locator service), before digging on your home grounds. Know the mature height and spread of the tree you are planting to ensure it has enough room.

It’s important to choose the right tree for the right place. Call the Lyon County Extension office for a list of preferred trees for our area. Following is a list of small trees that could be planted just about anywhere.

• Amur Maple — Acer ginnala

• Eastern Redbud — Cercis canadensis

• Oklahoma Redbud — Cercis reniformis

• Smoketree — Cotinus coggygria

• Japanese Tree Lilac — Syringa reticulata

• Flowering Crabapple — Malus sp. Small Cultivars: Candied Apple, Indian Magic, Indian Summer, Prairifire, Louisa, Mary Potter, Sugar Tyme, Red Jade, Snowdrift, Zumi, Sargent

• ‘Canada Red’ Chokecherry — Prunus virginiana ‘Canada Red’

• Rusty Blackhaw Viburnum — Viburnum rufidulum

• Amy Jordan is a horticulturist with K-State Research and Extension in Lyon County.