Was zd Fede This year, 800 schoolchildren and volunteers will help plant 1,000 trees in 13 cities. (NAPS)—Here’s an idea that’s growing in popularity—by planting trees, people can help create healthier, more livable cities. For the fourth consecutive year, the Arbor Day Foundation and The Home Depot Foundation are teaming up to plant trees in schools, city parks and affordable housing communities across the United States. This year, the Trees for Success campaign will plant nearly 1,000 trees in 13 cities with the help of 800 schoolchildren and volunteers. Spring is a great time to plant trees. Here are six steps everyone should take when plantinga tree: Call before you dig. Several days before planting, call the national 811 hotline to have undergroundutilities located. Handle with care. Alwayslift trees by the root ball. Keep the roots moist until planting. Dig a proper hole. Dig 2 to 5 times wider than the diameter of the root ball with sloping sides to allow for proper root growth. Plant the tree at the proper depth. The trunk flare should sit slightly above ground level and the top-most roots should be buried 1 to 2 inches. Fill the hole with propersoil. Backfill with native soil unless it’s all clay. Tampin soil gently tofill large air pockets. Mulch right away. Allow a 1to 2-inch clearance between the trunk and the mulch. Mulch should be 2 to 3 inches deep. For more tree-planting tips and proper tree-care information, and to learn about the Trees for Success campaign, visit www.arborday.org.
