Arbor Day Notes

Since 1966, various Longmeadow civic organizations have celebrated Arbor Day with Longmeadow’s students. 2021 is the 56th year of the celebration and we have given away 22,447 tree seedlings to Longmeadow’s students.

History of Arbor Day  While most holidays (Thanksgiving, Independence Day) honor past events, Arbor Day looks to the future.  The idea began in Nebraska in 1872 when J. Sterling Morton, a member of the Nebraska Board of Agriculture introduced a resolution that a day be set aside for the planting of trees and to urge the people about the importance of tree planting.  The idea was well received in Nebraska, which was largely devoid of trees. The idea spread and in 1884 the National Education Association resolved that Arbor Day be celebrated in schools. Arbor Day is now celebrated in every state and many foreign countries.

Why trees matter  Sterling Morton’s ideas about the importance of trees have been confirmed over and over by scientists since that time. We don’t just love trees, we need them!  Trees take sunlight and water and turn it into food for people and animals; they create shade and beauty, and give wood for fuel, furniture and homes.  Trees’ roots are nature’s water filters, capable of cleaning up the most toxic wastes, including explosives, solvents and organic wastes. Tree leaves also filter air pollution.  Trees are also the planet’s heat shield. They keep the concrete and asphalt of cities and suburbs 10 or more degrees cooler and protect our skin from the sun’s harsh UV rays.

About the tree: Fraser Fir Abies fraseri  Typically grows 30-50 feet tall, about 6 inches per year.  Related to Balsam Fir, both are popular Christmas trees

To plant your tree  Consult your parents when choosing spot  In sun or part shade  Away from structures and other trees  Put stakes in the ground around the tree when it’s small so it doesn’t get run over by the lawn mower  Make a hole bigger than the root ball, place roots in hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the ground, fill in with loose dirt, pack lightly  Water well, give water twice a week when it is small  If you don’t have a place to plant it outside, grow it in a sunny spot in a pot until the fall, then give it to a friend or relative who can plant it in their yard  Don’t forget to water it at least twice per week! Old proverb: “When is the best time to plant a tree?” The answer: “Twenty years ago. The second-best time? Today.”