Arbor Day Newsletter March/April 2024 by Arbor Day Foundation

M A R C H / A P R I L 2 0 2 4 • A R B O R D AY. O R G

American Hazelnut Corylus americana

THE AMERICAN HAZELNUT (also known as the American filbert) is a native shrub of the eastern United States. The tasty nuts are highly prized by cooks for their easy-tocrack shells and small, sweet kernel. Squirrels love them as well … mostly likely for the same reasons. Hazelnut hedges can be used as windbreaks, visual screens, and to attract wildlife.

LEAVES: Generally an oval shape with a heart-shaped or rounded base, doubly serrated, and dark green in color. Measuring 2½–6 inches long and 1½–2½ inches wide. FLOWERS: Inconspicuous

red female flowers and showy

yellowish-brown male catkins produced on the same plant.

FRUIT: ½-inch brown hazelnuts that typically grow in bunches of two to six, each with a sweet, round kernel inside. Harvested from September to October. Two or more shrubs are needed to ensure a good crop.

FORM: Grows to a height of 15–18 feet with a spread of 10–12 feet at maturity. The multi-stemmed form grows in a rounded shape with an open, often wide-spreading base. WILDLIFE VALUE: The nuts are

preferred by squirrels, deer, turkey, woodpeckers, pheasants, grouse, quail, and jays. The male catkins are a food staple of ruffed grouse and turkey throughout the winter. The dense, low-growing shape provides cover and nesting sites for many wildlife species.

PLANTING: Suitable in hardiness zones 4–9. Prefers full sun or partial

sun. Grows in acidic, alkaline, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, well-drained, and clay soils. Drought-tolerant.

FIRST-TIME TREE CITY USA RECOGNITION

To purchase or learn more about this tree and others, visit arborday.org/hazelnut or scan this QR code.

MORE COMMUNITIES ARE PUTTING A PRIORITY ON TREES An official publication of

We guarantee delivery of healthy trees to our members. Please check ordering deadlines and shipping dates at arborday.org/shipping. If you need to contact us about your trees, call 888-448-7337, email us at info@arborday.org, or drop us a note at Member Services, Arbor Day Foundation, 211 N. 12th St., Lincoln, NE 68508. We want your tree planting efforts to be successful!

© 2024 Arbor Day Foundation. The Foundation sometimes exchanges mailing lists with selected organizations with offers of interest to our members. If you do not want your name included, just write, email us at privacy@arborday.org, or call Member Services and tell us not to exchange your name.

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TREE BASICS

ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION CHIEF EXECUTIVE,

Dan Lambe

Truth Amid the Tree Myths

A RB OR DAY J OU RNA L

IN THE WORLD OF COMMUNITY TREES, there are many myths. Here are just a few of them, with the facts you need to know.

OVER THE YEARS, I have had the chance to be at numerous Arbor Day events across the country — joining fellow tree planters to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. No two gatherings or communities are exactly alike. Some were in large cities, others in small towns. Many included tree plantings at parks or schools, others gave away trees to residents to plant in their own yards. Regardless of the event, each has a special memory attached to it. I could tell joyful and inspiring stories all day. But in each story lies two universal truths. Truths that resound through each Arbor Day event in every corner of America. The first of these is the hopefulness and optimism that is unmistakably present. There is something extraordinary about the simple gesture of planting a tree for the future, a gift to the generation to come. The second is the celebratory atmosphere. Arbor Day is a moment to pause and recognize the importance and beauty of trees … reflecting on and celebrating the value of trees and their impact on our lives. Both of these elements were present 10 years ago at one of my favorite Arbor Day celebrations. My mom and daughter joined me in planting trees at the Nebraska Capitol. As I have mentioned, my mom was the one responsible for my tree planting ethic. And having three generations plant a tree together on Arbor Day filled me with so much joy and gratitude. This April, be sure to get out and celebrate — with your family and your community. Together, we are building a legacy that will ensure the spirit of the tree planter’s holiday will carry on through the generations.

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✖ MYTH: IF IT’S BY MY HOUSE, IT’S MY TREE

Planting Trees in Forests and Communities LAST YEAR MARKED THE 10TH YEAR of Angel’s Envy planting trees with the Arbor Day Foundation. Historically, the Louisville-based distiller has focused its efforts on replanting white oak forests, as their bourbon ages in barrels made of white oak. But in 2023, the company expanded its partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation into communities where trees are needed most. Their annual Toast the Trees initiative brought this new focus to life. People were invited to plant virtual trees in select communities on an interactive website. Real-life tree plantings have been scheduled for 10 cities, including the five cities with the most virtual trees. This is in addition to the 10 communities already supported in 2023. “Our distillery is based in the heart of downtown Louisville, and we embrace our urban roots,” said Gigi DaDan, general manager of Angel’s Envy. “In year 10 of our Toast the Trees initiative, we wanted to expand our reach to help plant trees directly in our, and our consumers’, communities — where each tree we plant has a significant and lasting impact for years to come.” This year, trees are being planted in cities that include New York, New York; Nashville, Tennessee; Indianapolis, Indiana; Charleston, South Carolina; Jacksonville, Florida; and Louisville, Kentucky. In total, more than 300,000 trees have been planted in the past decade thanks to this meaningful partnership.

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There is often confusion about who owns streetside trees and who is responsible for their care. Although the answer varies depending on community ordinances, trees on the street easement, or rightof-way, typically belong to the city. This is true regardless of who may have planted the tree. Knowing who has responsibility for street trees in your community is important for determining who should prune and care for the trees, who is likely to be liable if lack of care causes an accident, and who pays for tree work or removal.

✖ MYTH: TREE ROOTS BREAK SEWER LINES In favorable soil conditions, including moisture, texture, and oxygen, most roots are found in the top 24 inches of soil — well away from sewer lines. A few, however, may grow deeply enough to be near a properly buried sewer line. Even so, nothing happens until the sewer pipe breaks or leaks. Nearby roots then begin to thrive and grow rapidly. They can enter the defective pipe and eventually block the flow of sewage.

✖ MYTH: A LITTLE TRENCH WON’T HURT A tree’s root system is its lifeline, and most people will agree that large trenches can hurt trees. What is often overlooked is that even the tiniest slit made to bury a sprinkler system or to install a telephone line severs roots and is also hard on the tree. To prevent damaging trees with any kind of trench, consider detouring around the drip line of trees. There is nothing sacred about straight lines. You can also tunnel when roots cannot be avoided. Tunneling equipment is readily available.

✖ MYTH: TREE ROOTS CAUSE SIDEWALK DAMAGE

Typically, sidewalk damage is the result of poor soil conditions and improper construction. If gaps are created due to pavement heaving and settling with the soil, roots will naturally follow these spaces. And if sidewalks are poured too thin, they are more prone to lifting and cracking from tree roots. Knowledge is powerful. The more facts you know about community trees, the better you can care for those on your property. Be sure to share this helpful information with your neighbors to ensure the tree canopy where you live is healthy and thriving.

Arbor Day Celebration Events, Ideas, Materials Now Available WHEN YOU COMMIT TO CELEBRATING ARBOR DAY, you’re doing more than helping put trees in the ground. You’re saying YES to a healthier world. So grab your gardening gloves and join an event in your area, plant a tree in your yard, and help to create a greener future. Then make sure to share your photos on social media using #ArborDay! Learn more about all the ways you can say YES and get involved this Arbor Day at arborday.org/celebrate.

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Protecting Our Nation’s Most Iconic Bird

Nebraska City, Nebraska

FOR RESERVATIONS TO STAY AT LIED LODGE: arbordayfarm.org • 800-546-5433

EACH NOVEMBER, hundreds of bald eagles fly from Canada to Oregon’s upper Klamath Basin. It’s here where they make their winter home — and where new eaglets are born each spring.

A Legacy of Trees Fostering new growth to preserve the past

The old-growth forests here are an essential part of eagles’ habitat. They build their large nests — 4 to 5 feet across — in mature pine trees, which are sturdier and have more branching. “Here, it tends to be more ponderosa pine, but they’ll also nest in sugar pine and Douglasfir,” said Tom Collom, district wildlife biologist with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. “They generally nest toward the top of the tree, because they like to have easy access in and out.” While bald eagles have made a huge comeback in recent years, the newest threat they face is wildfires. The Bootleg Fire burned extensively through the upper Klamath Basin in 2021. For these majestic creatures, each tree lost is significant. “It takes a long time to grow the old, tall trees that these eagles like to nest in,” Tom noted. That’s why the Arbor Day Foundation, with the help of loyal members and supporters, has planted more than a million trees in the Klamath Basin after the Bootleg Fire. These seedlings will one day become the towering trees bald eagles call home.

ARBOR DAY FARM is an important part of the Arbor Day Foundation. It’s the place where our mission comes to life … the place where people can connect with nature in meaningful ways.

Read On! This is part of a longer story about bald eagles in the Pacific Northwest. For the full story, go to arborday.org/eagles.

But in this special place, preservation is also a priority. History is being cared for to ensure it can carry on. One of the shining examples is the Preservation Orchard, where antique varieties of apple trees are grown to ensure that their lineage does not mistakenly die out. Recently, the historic trees of Arbor Day Farm have also been a focus. The Arbor Day Oak — a stately pin oak that greets visitors and shades picnickers — has

NO MATTER HOW LARGE OR SMALL the contribution, your gift to the Arbor Day Foundation can have an impact that extends beyond your lifetime. And the best part is that you can make your gift using any of a long list of options. Simply choose what works best for you. More common ways to give include:

n Please send me information about how to include the Arbor Day Foundation in my will. n I have already named the Arbor Day Foundation in my will. (All wishes for anonymity will be honored.) Please print: Name Address City/State/Zip Phone Number Best time to call

08916 100

Mail to: Arbor Day Foundation, 211 N. 12th St., Lincoln, NE 68508

• Tax-Free IRA Distributions • Charitable Gift Annuities • Gifts of Stock

Through a focus on growing and nurturing, new life is being breathed into these important heritage trees. This work is preserving a treasured piece of the past to ensure that the spirit of these trees can thrive for generations to come.

• Cash Gifts • Gifts of Land • Donor-Advised Funds

A donor-advised fund is a convenient, tax-deductible charitable giving program that makes it easy for donors to dedicate tax-deductible funds to support a nonproﬁt organization. Once you establish this fund, you can recommend grants to the Arbor Day Foundation to support tree planting efforts. This process can be streamlined through the use of an online tool such as DAF Direct, which is available on our website. For more details, please consult your professional advisor, visit arborday.org/giftplanning, or contact us at 888-488-7337 ext. 9612 or development@arborday.org.

Another historic tree of focus is the iconic Algerian fir on the Arbor Lodge State Historical Park property. As the name suggests, this tree is native to Algeria. But one specimen can be found at the historic Morton family home. The species is critically endangered, and Arbor Day Farm caretakers are working with the Morton Arboretum to graft cuttings from this tree. And then there’s Caroline’s Tree. This Engelmann’s spruce was brought back to Nebraska as a seedling in a coffee can from Pike’s Peak, Colorado. Caroline Morton herself transported the tree and planted it near her home. It was planted in 1878, and time has taken its toll. Efforts are underway with the Morton Arboretum to propagate cuttings of this tree to ensure that the history of this specimen can carry on.

Leave a Legacy Through Trees

INFORMATION PLEASE

been standing tall for more than 200 years. Last year, seedlings were grown from its acorns right on property and were available for guests to purchase. It was a wonderful opportunity for people to bring a bit of the wonders of the farm home with them to plant in their own yards.

At left: Caroline’s Tree, an Engelmann’s spruce, still stands near the Morton family’s historic home.

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Recognized for the First Time The Tree City USA program continues to expand throughout the country

CORE STANDARDS Every Tree City USA community must meet four core standards to receive recognition:

Lake Crystal, Minnesota

rees are the backbone of our communities. They provide cooling shade, cleaner air, protection from flooding, inviting space for outdoor activity, and many other core benefits. They also oftentimes define the very essence of our neighborhoods. That’s why it is no surprise that more than 3,500 cities and towns throughout America are recognized as Tree City USA communities. From the most urban places such as New York City to the smallest locales like Sibley, North Dakota, with a population of 20 — they are all committed to caring for their trees. And the Arbor Day Foundation is excited to celebrate them. What may surprise you is the fact that 75 of these communities applied for recognition for the first time this past year.

Why now? With a program that has been around for nearly five decades, new involvement is exciting. More communities are raising their hands and dedicating their time and resources to maintaining

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Seymour, Indiana

and improving the urban forests that benefit their residents. But what prompted them to apply? How did they learn about the program? In Hedwig Village, Texas, a council member expressed interest in the Tree City USA program. The community has a commitment to the preservation and protection of its trees, particularly for their ability to manage stormwater and protect clean waterways. The city’s goal was to receive Tree City USA recognition to further solidify their commitment to plant and care for younger trees along city rights-of-way while also educating the community on tree planting and care. Community members were the driving force for recognition in Springville, New York. They suggested that the village look into Tree City USA, as several neighboring towns and villages are Tree Cities. Springville wanted to be included in this list of forward-thinking communities while sharing recent tree- and sustainability-focused accomplishments. The city of Seymour, Indiana, has an active tree board that has been working diligently to

Maintaining a tree board or department

Having a community tree ordinance

Spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry

Celebrating Arbor Day

Hedwig Village, Texas

become a Tree City — the result of a school student approaching city officials about the program. Efforts to become a Tree City include increasing community tree canopy and encouraging the community to plant native trees. The city administrator for Lake Crystal, Minnesota, grew up celebrating Arbor Day each year at school. Now an Arbor Day Foundation supporter, she noticed other cities with Tree City USA recognition. City council members shared her interest in becoming a Tree City and made it a reality. In Erlanger, Kentucky, a new city employee shared the benefits of the program with elected officials. Having served on a tree board for two decades in a nearby Tree City, this individual saw first-hand the positive impact the program can make. Moreover, the goals and objectives of the Tree City USA program directly aligned with the philosophy

of the city of Erlanger, making recognition a great option. The tree warden for the city of Easthampton, Massachusetts, learned about Tree City USA during her Urban Forestry graduate program at Oregon State University. She felt it was the “gold standard” for managing city forests and is honored to have Easthampton join the program.

A Future Filled with Trees City by city, town by town, Tree City USA continues to expand across the country. As this beloved and time-tested tree recognition program grows, so do the tree canopies all around us. Through the support of generous Arbor Day Foundation members and supporters, communities have the framework and support they need to ensure their urban forests can flourish.

Do You Live in a Tree City? Check whether your community is on the list at arborday.org/directory. If you don’t see it, talk to your local urban forester, state urban and community forestry program coordinator, or other city leaders about working toward this important recognition. ARBOR DAY • March/April 2024 • 888-448-7337 • arborday.org 5