Mickey Starling
Reporter3@riverbendnews.org
For many, Arbor Day is one of those holidays that doesn't receive much attention. However, in the 1800s, it was the extreme need for trees that eventually blossomed into the idea of having a holiday dedicated to the care and planting of trees.
When pioneers began moving into the Nebraska Territory, they quickly mourned the absence of trees in the area. Without them, there were no windbreaks to keep the soil in place, no fuel or building materials and no shade from the hot sun.
One resident of Nebraska, J. Sterling Morton, had a great amount of enthusiasm for the replanting of trees. Morton was a newspaper editor who eventually became secretary of the Nebraska Territory. He took full advantage of his prominent position to further spread his message of the value of trees.
On Jan. 4, 1872, sterling proposed a tree-planting holiday to be called "Arbor Day" at a meeting of the State Board of Agriculture.
The celebration date was set for April 10, 1872. Awards were given to counties who correctly planted the most trees on that day. The event was a huge success, with more than a million trees planted in Nebraska for the first Arbor Day.
The enthusiasm for the holiday quickly spread to other states, and by 1920, more than 45 states and territories were celebrating Arbor Day. Today, the holiday is recognized in all 50 states on the last Friday in April as part of the national celebration. Citizens across the country are encouraged to properly plant trees on this special day, especially those that are native to their area.
Several states recognize Arbor Day during the prime planting seasons for their area. Florida and Louisiana are the first states to celebrate the holiday, with both states honoring Arbor Day this year on Friday, Jan. 21. The third Friday in January is an excellent time for planting in these states because many trees are dormant, meaning they lose less water due to the fact that they aren't growing. Planting at this time ensures that trees can be transplanted without causing too much stress.
Once trees have been planted, they will need a substantial amount of time, care and proper irrigation if they are to successfully become a part of the landscape. Irrigation is particularly important in Florida. Frequent irrigation is more valuable than lengthy waterings that are sporadically applied.
Newly planted trees need an establishment period of between four and eight months. They need daily irrigation for the first two weeks, followed by every other day waterings for the next two months. Then, the trees will do well with watering twice weekly for two to three months, followed by weekly irrigation until they are firmly established. Remember, the root balls of newly planted trees should not be allowed to dry out or become saturated.
For more information on how you can get free trees, visit www.arborday.org.