2019 Arbor Day Celebration Wakulla County
On Saturday, January 19, some of us Master Gardeners participated in the Wakulla Arbor Day event. Florida celebrates Arbor Day on the third Saturday in January every year, and in Wakulla County the event includes a free tree giveaway. All trees are native to our area.
Tree Information
For our part, the Master Gardeners helped residents and visitors select the right tree for their home landscapes. As participants waited in line for their chance to pick out their free tree, we had information sheets available about each tree. The information included growth habit (size and shape), water and light
requirements, and special features of each plant. We made sure to include pictures because most of the trees had not leafed out due to the cold time of the year. Those who visited our table said they appreciated getting the information before going inside the pavilion to select their tree. Many said they were replacing trees lost during Hurricane Michael this past October.
How to Plant a Tree
Next to our Master Gardener table, the Iris Garden Club prepared a demonstration on how
to plant a tree. Michele Hackmeyer was available to talk about digging the hole wide enough to accommodate the tree, but not too deep. A simple trick to remember is the 10/90 principle where 10% of the trunk or base of the plant is above the soil line and 90% is below. A wide hole is good, but you do not want to plant too deep.
Small Plants Need Frequent Watering
The other thing to remember is that these small plants need frequent watering. Their roots are quite tiny and only take up small amounts of water at a time to support the trees. If there are 2-3 days without rain, be sure to irrigate your newly planted trees. They will need frequent watering over the course this first year in the ground. Do not let their roots dry out.
In a few months leaves will begin to emerge, and in a few years you will notice a nice specimen taking shape in your landscape! Let us know how your new tree(s) are doing.
To learn more about Wakulla County, contact your UF/IFAS Wakulla Extension Office at 850-926-3931 or http://wakulla.ifas.ufl.edu/
Visit us at https://www.facebook.com/wakullaextension/
| The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information, and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions, or affiliations. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A&M University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating |
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