COLUMBUS, GA - Although National Arbor Day is April 25, 2008, Georgia celebrates Arbor Day on February 15. The Georgia Forestry Commission encouraged tree planting despite the drought. According to the GFC website, Trees provide multiple benefits such as reducing surface temperatures and soil erosion, which helps improve water quality. Planting and establishing new trees ensure that as mature trees age, others are in place to provide these benefits and more.

“One reason Arbor Day is celebrated at this time of year is because it is peak season to plant tree seedlings during winter dormancy,” Susan Reisch, urban and community forestry coordinator for the Georgia Forestry Commission, said. “Governor Perdue recently alleviated outdoor water restrictions, allowing hand watering for 25 minutes on an odd-even schedule, providing more than enough time to water seedlings.”

According to Reisch, it is important to ensure new trees are planted annually in order for communities to receive the many social, environmental, economic and health benefits that they provide. Regular watering in the first three weeks of planting is essential in the survival of young trees and their future growth.

While restrictions were recently eased, water conservation is still important when planting. The use of mulch as well as recycled water from showers, dehumidifiers and condensation from air conditioners are simple ways to reduce water usage. The Georgia Forestry Commission offers more tips on how to plant and maintain trees this Arbor Day on its Website, GaTrees.org.

With the theme ‘Connect and Collaborate! Working Together for a Healthy Urban Forest,’ Georgia’s official Arbor Day state event was held in Columbus to commemorate the city’s 30th anniversary as Georgia’s first Tree City USA. For more information, call 1-800-GA-TREES.

Considering local watering restrictions may be in place, here are some tips to help weather the dry conditions.

Tips for Planting and Taking Care of Trees During a Drought

• Mulch trees. (Add mulch at a depth of three inches. Place it over the tree roots. Do not place mulch against the tree trunk.)
• Use recycled water or gray water from your home (dehumidifier, air conditioning condensate, or shower before it heats.)
• Pump water from other sources such as detention ponds, lakes, creeks or cisterns. Remember to get permission from the landowners if the water source is not on your property.
• Use gator bags and refill them with recycled water.
• Ask the fire department to use water that is recycled from their trucks. Follow crews as the fire hydrants are drained and collect the water. A large tank is needed to collect water as it is under high pressure.
• Get a permit and pay to bring water in from other sources. Your trees provide more benefits than this cost.
• When you are able to provide water, the most beneficial time to irrigate plants is during the late night and early morning hours. Evaporation is minimized, and the foliage has time to dry out during daylight hours. Evening watering is efficient for water use, but should be applied after dew is on the leaf surfaces
• Install a rain barrel at your planting site.

Contact your local GFC office for more information or visit GaTrees.org.