‘Twas the day before Arbor Day, when all through the park
\nNot a creature was stirring, no chirp, squeak, or bark;
\nThe birds were perched on the utility wires with care,
\nIn hopes that many trees soon would be there;<\/p>\n
All types of squirrels, gray, fox, and red;
\nHad visions of oak trees dancing in their head;
\nAnd mamma with her overalls, and I my work jeans,
\nWere prepared and ready to make the park green,<\/p>\n
When out in the park there arose such a clatter,
\nI sprang to my window to see what was the matter.
\nAway out my door I flew like a flash,
\nRunning to the crowd that was gathered \u2018round the ash.<\/p>\n
The dead looking tree with no leaves to show,
\nGave a glimmer of midday through its branches to objects below,
\nWhen what to my wondering eyes came \u2018round the corner with ease,
\nBut a miniature truck and in the bed, eight tiny trees,<\/p>\n
With a little old driver so lively and quick,
\nI knew in a moment it must be Mayor Nick.
\nThe trees looking so healthy and flourishing as they came,
\nHe whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:<\/p>\n
“White Oak! Red Cedar! Silver Maple and Black Cherry!
\nCottonwood, Black Walnut, American Beech and Hackberry!
\nIt is time to grab your gloves, shovels, and spades!\u201d He did call,
\n\u201cNow plant away! Plant away! Plant away all!”<\/p>\n
With his blueprints out he started to show,
\nWhere in the park each tree would go;
\nSo excited and anxious with all my gear I flew
\nTo the truck full of trees, and Mayor Nicolas too.<\/p>\n
And then, in a moment, I heard on the road
\nThe roaring of more trucks with trees overflowed.
\nAs I lifted my head, and was turning around,
\nThe city forester and many arborists came with a bound.<\/p>\n
Mayor Nick had called in the professionals to help us out,
\nSo we all would understand what this project was all about.
\n\u201cBefore we start planting, I want to explain
\nthe benefits from these trees the city will gain!<\/p>\n
Trees increase property value and improve living conditions.
\nThey also relieve stress and help with CO2 emissions.
\nBetter air and water quality, and sound barriers, too,
\nAnd the best part is the beautiful new view!\u201d<\/p>\n
After Mayor Nick\u2019s speech, the city forester stepped in
\n\u201cWhose ready to plant some trees?\u201d He said with a grin.
\nThe crowd cheered and the project was now on its way
\nMaking the park beautiful and green in honor of Arbor Day.<\/p>\n
First thing we had to do, was remove the dead trees.
\nThe park was originally filled with ash, which was a feast for EAB.
\nThe arborists cut all the trees down one by one.
\nThere was so much help, in no time the cleanup was done.<\/p>\n
As we finally started planting, the professionals came around
\nMaking sure we were putting the trees properly into the ground.
\nI learned that you cut and remove only 1\/3-1\/2 of the B&B,
\nThen, you check the roots, the most important part of the tree.<\/p>\n
If the tree has spiraling roots, all four sides must be sawed,
\nSo the tree\u2019s way of nutrient uptake and anchorage is not flawed.
\nIt is also important that the root flare is not below the soil line,
\nMany people tend to bury it, thinking their tree will be fine.<\/p>\n
Before planting your tree, consider the tree\u2019s full-grown size.
\nImproper planting can cause the tree to die otherwise.
\nI\u2019m so glad I decided to volunteer today
\nI learned so much about planting trees the right way!<\/p>\n
After countless hours of hard work and sweat,
\nMayor Nick\u2019s goals for the park were finally met.
\nHe thanked everyone, and as he drove out of sight,
\nHe shouted \u201cHappy Arbor Day to all, and to all a good night!\u201d<\/p>\n
Arbor Day Paper, FNR-445 Urban Forestry Topics
\nAuthor: Erin Hipskind, BS 2016<\/p>\n
Arbor Day is an annual observance that celebrates the role of trees in our lives and promotes tree planting and care. As a formal holiday, it was first observed in 1872, in Nebraska, but tree planting festivals are as old as civilization. The tree has appeared throughout history and literature as the symbol of life. Arbor Day celebrations for 2017 is on Saturday, April 29th. Check out activities around your area:\u00a0Purdue Extension County Offices<\/a>, Indiana Department of Natural Resources<\/a> or Tippecanoe Soil & Water Conservation District<\/a>.<\/p>\n Other resources:
\nTree Installation: Process and Practices<\/a>, The Education Store-Purdue Extension resource center
\nTree Planting Part 1: Choosing a Tree<\/a>\u00a0– video, The Education Store
\nTree Planting Part 2: Planting Your Tree<\/a>\u00a0– video, The Education Store<\/p>\n