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[IN] HMI ENV CST EDU
[SU] PSF
TO HOME AND GARDEN EDITORS:
Select the Right Tree for the Right Place in Your Yard
SPRINGFIELD, Ill., April 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- It has been more
than 140 years since the first Arbor Day was observed in Nebraska. It
has since become a national observance that takes place on the last
Friday in April in most states and recognizes the importance of trees
as well as tree selection, planting, and care. A properly selected and
planted tree can add beauty and energy efficiency to your landscape. A
poorly selected and planted tree can become high maintenance,
dangerous, and short-lived. The Energy Education Council has advice to
help you select the tree that is best for your yard.
"This is an excellent time of year for tree planting," says Molly
Hall, executive director of the Energy Education Council. "With some
research and preparation, your tree will be a healthy and beautiful
addition to your home for years to come."
One of the first considerations is the purpose of your tree. Will your
tree be needed for shade, a windbreak, or beauty? These considerations
will affect what tree is suitable for you, and where it should be
planted. Dense evergreens provide a good wind block, while leafy
deciduous trees provide shade in the summer.
No matter what purpose the trees will serve, it is always best to
choose native trees. They require less maintenance and will live
longer. You can get more information about native growing trees from a
regional university Extension office or a state department of natural
resources. In addition, the Arbor Day Foundation has a free tree
wizard tool that will help you select the best tree for your needs. It
is available at www.arborday.org/shopping/trees/treewizard/intro.cfm.
The next step is to decide where you will plant your tree. For a
windbreak, plant trees to the north, northwest, and west. For shade,
plant trees to the east and west of your home. Remember that
fast-growing trees are more brittle and likely to be damaged in a
storm. Plant these trees farther from your home to protect your home
from damage.
If you live in an area that is prone to wildfires, there are
additional considerations to help keep your home and community safe.
It is recommended that you limit the flammable vegetation and material
around your home for at least 30 feet on all sides. Contact your local
fire department for more information.
Also be sure to select planting locations that will not interfere with
your utility lines or power poles. Power outages or interruptions
occur when trees and branches come into contact with overhead lines.
Electrical arcing and sparking from a wire to a nearby branch can
cause fires.
Tall growing trees with a mature height of greater than 40 feet should
be planted 50 feet away to avoid future pruning. A mature height of
less than 25 feet is recommended for trees planted near power lines.
Keep in mind that trees should never be planted directly under power
lines, near poles, or too close to electrical equipment.
Tall growing trees near power lines must be pruned to maintain a safe
distance from the wires. If you have trees that are growing into power
lines, contact your electric provider. Never try to prune them
yourself.
Before planting, take proper precautions to stay safe. Be sure to call
8-1-1, the national "Call Before You Dig" number, a few business days
before you want to plant. It is a free service that gets your public
underground utilities located and marked, so you can dig safely away
from them.
For more tips on energy efficiency and safety, visit
EnergyEdcouncil.org.
Contact: Kyla Kruse, 217-546-6815, Email
Read more news from the Energy Education Council.
SOURCE Energy Education Council
-0- 04/24/2014
/Web Site: http://www.energyedcouncil.org
CO: Energy Education Council
ST: Illinois
IN: HMI ENV CST EDU
SU: PSF
PRN
-- PH11273 --
0000 04/24/2014 12:30:00 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com
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