Arbor Day is an annual observance promoting tree planting and care. Wisconsin has celebrated Arbor Day on the last Friday of April since 1883.
The 17 million acres of forests covering nearly half of Wisconsin and the millions of urban trees across the state safeguard water resources, provide wildlife habitat, and support our forest industry while providing outdoor recreation opportunities and supporting human health.
Urban forests, which include trees in urban parks, landscaped boulevards, greenways, yard trees, and street trees, also have their own unique benefits.
“Urban forests filter air and water, control stormwater, conserve energy, and provide shade, cooling our communities by up to 10 degrees and helping prevent heat-related deaths,” says DNR Urban Forestry leader Jeff Roe. “They also add beauty to our urban environments, reduce noise, and provide nearby places to recreate.”
Urban trees also increase property values and create inviting business districts for residents and visitors.
Watch step-by-step instructions on how to plant a balled and burlapped tree: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZijTjoDQid8
Watch step-by-step instructions on how to plant a tree from a container: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FC3uEZALMwY
Once you’re done planting the tree, don’t forget to add it to the Wisconsin Tree Planting Map: https://wi-dnr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=8204b04e47914f6a841989435e088b6c