Most people are well aware that Valentine’s Day is Feb. 14. What you may not know is that Arbor Day is Feb. 15 this year.
The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) offers these tips for those who may wish to plant a tree Friday:
• Prepare for planting by digging a hole two to three times the width of the root ball. Do not dig deeper than root ball depth, and make sure the sides of the hole slant slightly outward.
• For bare-root trees, neatly cut away any broken or damaged roots. Soak the roots for a few hours prior to planting, to allow them to absorb water.
• Gently place the tree in the hole and partially backfill with soil from the hole. Add some water to settle the soil, and then add the remaining backfill. Tamp the soil gently, but don’t step on the root ball.
• Spread two inches of mulch over the planting area, but do not place it up against the trunk.
• Be sure the root ball has plenty of water throughout the year. Wait for a year to pass before trying to fertilize your tree.
For more information on planting and other tree care topics, visit online at www.treesaregood.org.