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Arbor Day Pollinator Friendly
<br /> Are you familiar with Arbor Day? Do you know its purpose? Landscapes
<br /> It is an annual observance to celebrate the importance of trees and Many of us
<br /> to promote tree planting activities. Trees provide many benefits for find relaxation
<br /> people. Some are fairly obvious,like shade on a hot afternoon,while and joy when we
<br /> others may not be quite so evident,like filtering dust,particulates and
<br /> pollutants from the air we breathe. Trees are assets that appreciate over spot a butterfly,
<br /> such as a mon-
<br /> time,unlike other assets,such as vehicles,that depreciate. The impor-
<br /> tance and benefits of trees were recognized long ago and resulted in the arch,or a hum-
<br /> establishment of a day to specifically celebrate tree planting. ming bird,simply
<br /> The first official observance of Arbor Day in the U.S.was in 1872 for their natural
<br /> in Nebraska. Minnesota became the 4th state to officially observe beauty. But,did you know,they,along with
<br /> Arbor Da is always countless other birds,butterflies,moths,
<br /> Arbor Day,beginning in 1876. In Minnesota, y y la acritical role
<br /> observed on the last Friday in April(April 28 this year). In 1978,Min- bees,flies,and even bats,play
<br /> nesota also began recognizing the month of May as Arbor Month. The in the reproduction of flowering plants and
<br /> weather typically begins to get a bit warmer in May and offers newly many of our foods,such as fruits,vegetables,
<br /> planted trees a better chance to survive. Plus,it allows all parts of the and nuts? Pollen and nectar from flowers
<br /> state a chance to celebrate the benefits of planting trees (Consider are the food source for adult pollinators (e.g.
<br /> northern Minnesota in late April,it's a little tough to plant trees with butterfly,the larval stage,caterpillar,will feed
<br /> snow on the ground still!). on plant leaves). Some flowering plants that
<br /> are often viewed as pesky lawn weeds (clover
<br /> Spring is a great time to plant a tree. While it's not rocket science, and dandelions),are vital to pollinators like
<br /> there are a couple of important things to keep in mind when planting a bees as they provide much needed food early
<br /> tree. First,take note of the surroundings (don't forget to look up too). in the growing season,before many plants
<br /> Remember,depending on the species of tree you are planting,that have bloomed.
<br /> small tree may grow to fifty(50) feet in height and width. Take a few addition to providing food and
<br /> minutes to plan out a suitable location to avoid future conflicts with In
<br /> overhead utilities,nearby structures,and keep your neighbors in mind habitat for many pollinators,native land-
<br /> also to avoid creating a possible nuisance for them (creating shade over scapes provide other benefits as well. Once
<br /> their garden for example). established,they do not need to be irrigated,
<br /> The other important factor to remember is to avoid planting the Which reduces one's watering bill over the
<br /> tree too deeply. The root flare (typically where the first set of prima- summer months. Also,these natural Land-
<br /> ry roots come off the trunk) should be at ground level when you are scapes are not regularly mowed,so they free
<br /> done backfilling the hole with soil. If planted too deeply,the tree will up more of your time. Due to their deep
<br /> likely experience stunted root systems (much deeper than traditional
<br /> growth and may form turf grass),they slow down runoff and help
<br /> Root Flare
<br /> Right Root Wrong infiltrate that stormwater into the ground.
<br /> a girdling root. That �
<br /> can lead to a number of r- -- As a result,the City of Ramsey has amended
<br /> issues,including smaller I the regulations concerning vegetation to
<br /> specifically exempt native landscapes from
<br /> leaf size,early fall color, the height limitations.
<br /> early leaf drop,and ultimately,death of the tree.
<br /> So this spring or summer,give some
<br /> Visit www.cityoframsey.com/environment to access a Tree Owner's thought to converting part of your turf grass
<br /> Manual,with step by step instructions for tree selection,planting and to a natural landscape. Even a small area
<br /> maintenance. converted to a butterfly garden provides
<br /> If you have questions about trees,or if you are interested in partici- some much needed habitat and food for our
<br /> pating in an Arbor Day planting event,please contact the City Planner pollinators and just may free up some of your
<br /> at 763-433-9817 or via email at canderson@cityoframsey.com. time and money to focus on other activities.
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