MDC encourages celebrating trees during April Arbor Days

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages Missourians to celebrate the value of Missouri trees and forests during Arbor Days in April by planting native trees and practicing proper tree care.

According to a press release, Missouri Arbor Day is Friday, April 6. Missouri has been observing the state’s official Arbor Day on the first Friday in April since 1886 when the General Assembly declared that day be set aside for the appreciation and planting of trees. National Arbor Day is recognized on the last Friday of April, which is April 27 for 2018.

Northwest has been named a Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation for four consecutive years. Photo courtesy Northwest (May 2017).

Arbor Day, which was first held in 1874 and was the creation of Nebraska newspaper editor J. Sterling Morton, is an annual event designed to raise people’s awareness of the importance of trees. It’s hoped, through this awareness, trees will continue to be a viable component of the landscape for years to come.

Find information from MDC on backyard tree care – including types of trees for urban and other landscapes, selecting the right tree for the right place, planting tips, watering and pruning info, and more – at mdc.mo.gov/tree-health.

Communities around the state hold local Arbor Day activities. For more information on Arbor Day and Missouri’s Tree City USA communities, visit the Arbor Day Foundation at arborday.org.