Plant A Tree In April

Earth Day is April 22nd and Arbor Day is two days later on the 24th. One way we all can celebrate these days is by planting a tree. Trees pull carbon dioxide from the air, store carbon in the soil, and give off oxygen into the atmosphere—you know, the stuff we breathe.

Where to Plant Trees
Planting trees in your yard and around your home will provide you shade and cooling in the summer and can help reduce the cold winds of winter, which can also reduce your heating bill.

Trees on your farm and rural areas will help protect the soil from erosion, keep streams and rivers clean, and provide a habitat for birds and wildlife.

Trees in your community, such as local parks, schools, and urban areas will lower the heat index by, as much as, 10 degrees as opposed to areas with no trees.

How to Plant and Care for a Tree
Dig a hole larger than needed so the roots have room to spread. Young trees do not need fertilizer, potting soil or any kind of enrichments. After you plant the tree in the hole you dug, fill in any extra space with loose soil and then water. Lastly, add mulch or hay in a 3-foot radius around your tree and water again. For the first year of caring for your new seedling it is best to water every 7 to 10 days.

After the first year be sure to visit your local Rural King Supply for tree care and insecticide products that will keep your tree healthy and graceful.

All of this adds up to saving money on your energy bills, keeping our air and water clean, enriching the soil to help plants and crops grow, and lastly, adding beauty to our living conditions.