Arbor Day is April 24- a time to honor the importance of trees, to plant more trees and to consider the care for the ones we already have. Only 19 percent of the original forests in Illinois remain, but our 142 state parks, two national forests and 137 parks within the Naperville Park District are home to a wide variety of trees.
At first, our state tree was inclusive of the twenty oak species native to Illinois – “native oak.” School children had lobbied for that designation in 1907. In 1937 another group of children were effective in narrowing the designation to “Quercus Alba,” “White Oak.” The White Oak is a fine tree, growing in every county in Illinois.
While I strongly suggest planting native trees, other wonderful trees will be for sale at the City of Naperville’s annual Arbor Day Tree Sale from 8AM to noon on Saturday, April 25, at the Public Works Service Center on Fort Hill Drive. Details are on the website naperville.il.us/arbordaytreesale.
A list of trees native to Illinois can be found at treesforme.com/Illinois.html. This website has lots of information about specific trees and even a list of local nurseries where you should be able to find them.
When you choose a tree, choose the right tree for your space. Believe the description. Expect it to reach the width and height as described and make sure you can give it enough room. Call JULIE (811) before you dig to avoid any unexpected drama- gas explosions, interrupted cable service, etc. It’s free and required by law!
Most trees come with planting instructions, and PLEASE!!!! Mulch them properly!!! Mulch should NOT be like a volcano with the tree emerging as it explodes! Mulch should NOT touch the trunk! Leave a mulch-free space one to two inches around the base of the tree and then spread the mulch, gradually increasing to a layer two-four inches high. The final look is that of your tree growing from the empty space in the center of a donut. I am often horrified by paid landscapers piling mulch a foot or so up the trunk. DON’T DO THAT! NO VOLCANO MULCHING!!!! If you see it on your trees, pull the mulch away from the trunk! Your trees will thank you!
“Arbor Day is not like other holidays. Each of those reposes on the past, while Arbor Day proposes for the future,” wrote J. Sterling Morton, Founder of Arbor Day.
