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OHIO OUTDOOR NOTEBOOK
By Laura Jones, Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Spring 2004
Planting a tree can create a lifetime of memories
“One generation plants trees, the next enjoys the shade.” At least that’s what my uncle used to say as we walked beneath the big twin bur oak trees planted years before. To this day, I never pass up a chance to check on those stately old trees to enjoy their shade and revisit memories stirred by my uncle’s special trees.
This month, thousands of Ohioans will celebrate Earth Day (April 22) and Arbor Day (April 30) by planting trees many to honor a special person or to memorialize a landmark event in their lives. What a wonderful tradition for each of us to follow: creating a lasting memory by planting a tree in our own backyard or as part of a community project.
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| One generation plants trees, the next enjoys the shade. |
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| Serviceberry (above) and American Holly (below) planted on the College of Wooster campus. |
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The idea of planting trees to recognize people and events dates back centuries. In some European villages, a farmer would plant several poplar trees for a newborn son, and then sell the timber for roof beams when his son was grown and seeking money to marry. In ancient Japan, a paulownia tree was planted to celebrate the birth of a daughter. Years later, when the daughter was betrothed, the paulownia lumber was used to make a tansu, or dowry chest.
You won’t need a paulownia or even a poplar if you’re going to make this ages-old tradition your own. However, you will want to select a species of tree that will live the longest in Ohio’s climate and have the best chance to survive in an urban environment. Moreover, you’ll want to pick one that best fits your lawn while giving your tree room enough to reach maturity without infringing on nearby structures or blocking a favorite view. To help you begin growing a special memory, here are some trees to consider, as recommended to me by foresters with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Large trees: The bur oak is a solid, dependable giant. It can reach a height of 7080 feet with a slightly greater spread. If you prefer an evergreen, consider the Serbian spruce. Hardy in Ohio, this attractive tree will grow between 5060 feet tall and 20-25 feet wide.
Medium Trees: American holly is a broad-leaved evergreen with beautiful year-round texture and color. It reaches a height of about 40-50 feet. The Japanese stewartia, which grows 20 to 40 feet, has attractive exfoliating bark that provides an excellent winter effect.
Small Trees: Both the saucer magnolia and Allegany serviceberry are good for sites that must accommodate small trees. The saucer magnolia will grow to 2030 feet tall, with large, beautifully colored flowers. The Allegany serviceberry got its name from early American settlers because its white flowers bloom during the spring thaw when burial services were held for those who had died over the winter.
Choosing the right species to plant and making sure that it is properly planted and maintained is important to the long-term success of your tree. Always purchase trees from a reputable nursery or garden center. Their certified technicians will be valuable resources for your project. And, before you begin digging, check for buried utilities by calling the Ohio Utilities Protection Service toll free at 800-362-2764.
Because of their stature and beauty, trees are a perfect way to recognize special people or events in our lives. Selected and planted with care, a tree can create special memories during your lifetime and for many generations to follow.
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