Garden club promotes tree-planting campaign

The National Garden Club is working to plant at least 165,000 trees this year as part of its “Plant America with Trees: Each One Plant One” effort. The Eureka Sequoia Garden Club is part of the National Garden Club and is helping promote the campaign.

The National Garden Club’s Plant America with Trees initiative reaches far beyond the physical planting of trees, including growing community connections. According to the national club, there are a number of things to consider when planting a new tree:

· The correct site is paramount. Assume that the tree will grow to its maximum size. Don’t just go by the size on the tag.

· Remember that root systems will extend as far as the drip line. Roots should not impede walkways, driveways or foundations.

· Note conditions such as sunlight, moisture in soil and irrigation. Test the soil.

· Research maintenance, especially pruning. Some trees should not be pruned at all for a year or so, while others need to be pruned earlier.

MARY LOU GOODWIN — CONTRIBUTED Margaret Zlatkoff is pictured at the Humboldt Botanical Garden during an Arbor Day ceremony.