08/30/2000 Env Bd Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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It's spring: One of the best times to plant a tree! With Arbor Day (April 28), Earth Day (April 22), and our annual tree sale (April 27 -28) just past, it's time to think about planting trees. Probably the most important thing to consider when planting a tree is the root system. The root system of a tree plays a number of impor- tant roles in the growth and survival of that tree. Roots support the tree, giving it anchorage and stability, and they absorb water, minerals, and nutrients from the soil for photosynthesis and growth. The roots also store energy reserves, often giving the tree power to re- sprout even after being cut down. It is estimated that nearly half of the total mass of a tree is contained in the root system, which can extend laterally up to twice the height of the tree. However, approximately 85 percent of the root system is located in . the top eighteen inches of soil where water is available, temperatures are warm, and oxygen is present Before planting, think about your soil type and preparing the site. You may want to physically remove competing grass and other vegetation by tilling the area prior to planting.. After planting, pack the soil firmly ound the tree so that air spaces among the roots are minimized. Use caution, however, because too much • compaction can also create problems in the root area. It is recommended that you mulch the area around the base of the tree. This will reduce competition from grass and weeds, conserve soil moisture, and protect the tree trunk from damage by lawnmowers. Mulching can also prevent the soil from cracking, which can damage new roots. Composted organic mulch with leaves, grass clippings .and wood chips are the best as it improves the soil structure and aeration as it decomposes. Composted mulch should be applied once in the spring and again during the summer •arid shouldn't be piled higher than two or three inches. Happy planting! If you have further questions about tree planting, contact the University of Minnesota Extension, Dakota County at 651 -480 -7700 and ask for the Master Gardener program. • Our thanks to all of the citizens o 0- of �.Courityw_h . irc a ed.and planted trees this year. Over 55,000 trees and shrubs .were purchased by lando iers, It) units of government, and volunteer groups. Remember to'water:those trees until theyare established. • We also want to thank the:volunteers froth the Master Gardeners program who answered questions and gave advice to the public: Thanks also to the studeritsTat Hastings and Randolph • High School who helped bundle the trees and deliver :them to the customers. We also appreci- ate the hospitality of the Dakota County Fairgrounds Board for Making:their facilities available. znteefg.i: agn,.�d �Vtoriitoxi Here's your chance to help the environment and do useful scientific world Volunteers are needed to partici- pate in a field study of wetlands as part of the Dakota County Wetland Health Evaluation Project during the spring and summer of 2000. During the study, adult volunteers will monitor the health of over thirty wetlands in Dakota County. Volunteers will sample and _ document the plants, frogs, and invertebrates (bugs, beetles, and crustaceans) that live in the water commu- nities observed in a wetland. Volunteers will follow a sampling technique developed by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The goal of the project is for volunteers to gather data on wetland health that can be used in future wetland management decisions. The volunteer monitor- ing teams will take samples from approximately five wetlands in a given community between June and August. The time commitment for volunteers for the project is anticipated to be between forty to fifty hours including training, field work, and analysis. Volunteer teams work under the direction of team leaders, secondary school science teachers or staff from local nature centers. Currently there are openings for team leaders. Team leaders receive a stipend for the extra effort required of this position. . This Dakota County Wetland Health Monitoring Project is a cooperative effort between the Dakota County Environmental Education Program, Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District, ten communities, Dodge Nature Center, and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. For more information about volunteering or serving as a team leader, contact Charlotte Shover, Dakota County Environmental Education Program, 651 -480 -7734. The Dakota County Wetland Health Monitoring Program is an excellent educational oppor- tunity for anyone who wants to learn more about the ecology of wetlands or anyone involved in wetland studies. Tree.. Planters! i"K