Spring’s a good time to plant trees

Courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation.

Learn about how to keep trees healthy, and get a free one to take home, at an Arbor Day celebration Saturday at Loose Park.

Missouri State Forester Lisa Allen will be one of the speakers at the Healthy Trees for Life Arbor Day Celebration from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. on April 18. Arbor Day Foundation President Dan Lambe is also scheduled to attend.

The Missouri Department of Conservation says spring is a good time plant trees as they have a chance to get a healthy start before the summer heat. The department encourages property owners to plant native trees because they’re adapted to local soils and climate, and they’re good for butterflies, birds and other wildlife.

Presentations at the Arbor Day event will also focus upon how trees benefit people and wildlife, and what threats trees face from disease or invasive species such as emerald ash borer. Family fun activities will be offered such as kids’ scavenger hunt and free giveaways. Kansas City will be honored as a TreeCity USA for its commitment to healthy trees.

The Missouri Department of Conservation is a partner of the free event, hosted by Kansas City Parks & Recreation, and will give away swamp white oak seedling trees at the event.

More info on trees

• Missouri Department of Conservation tree care
• Information about trees that do well specifically in the Kansas City area
• Information about native wildflowers, grasses, shrubs and trees