Most of the country observes Arbor Day in late April, but in North Carolina, we do things a little differently. This year, on Friday, March 20, we’ll recognize North Carolina Arbor Day.
To some, it’s just another date on the calendar. But to those of us who spend our lives with our plants, it’s the most important Friday of the year to plant trees. It’s a day to take steps to plant and care for the trees surrounding our homes, shading the trails, streets, and wilderness. They are much more than scenery; they will define nature in our state for years to come. Many trees will outlast your cars and electronics while growing to considerable size, which is what can leave a legacy.
Nebraska to Carolina
The story of Arbor Day began far from the South. Way back in 1872, a journalist and nature lover in Nebraska came up with the idea for a day dedicated to tree planting. He realized that a landscape without trees was a landscape without a future. While the national holiday is traditionally held on the last Friday of April, North Carolina moved our state-specific celebration to the first Friday following March 15.
Why the shift? It’s all about the climate and our growing zone. By the time the end of April rolls around in North Carolina, we’re often already getting the first taste of summer. Planting a young tree in late April or May puts it under immediate stress from the rising heat. This can stunt a young tree and slow down its progress. By observing Arbor Day in mid-March, we are in the sweet spot of the planting season for larger trees.
Why March Matters
From a grower’s view, planting in March is the smart approach to planting your tree. When we put a tree in the ground now, the soil is waking up, but the air is still relatively cool at night and in the morning. This mix of soil and air quality promotes the tree to focus energy on root establishment before the canopy begins to demand water for transpiration during our hot summers.
A tree planted in March has a few extra weeks to “get its feet set.” Those roots are the foundation for everything, including wind resistance, nutrient uptake, and long-term success. If you want a tree that lives large for fifty years rather than stunted and struggling for five, get it in the ground during the cool part of the season, spring or fall.
The Power of our Forests
It’s easy to take nature for granted until it’s gone. Trees do the heavy lifting in ways we rarely notice. They break up the wind, filter our air, and reduce pollutants that can affect our health. On the ground, they act as natural sponges, managing water runoff and preventing the red clay erosion so common in our area.
Beyond the environmental impact, there’s a clear economic benefit. Healthy trees and landscaping increase property values, and the shade can reduce cooling costs during the summer. In our rural areas, forests provide important habitats for wildlife. Planting a tree isn’t just decoration; it is an investment in the future of North Carolina and the people who will live here.
Tips for a Successful Arbor Day
If you’re planning to observe by adding a new member to your landscape, here are a few professional tips I’ve gathered:
- Right Tree, Right Place: Before you dig, look up and look down. Are there power lines overhead? Are there septic lines or gas pipes underground? Match the tree’s mature size to the space you have. A shade tree is beautiful, but it won’t be happy squeezed five feet from your home’s foundation.
- Identify What You Have: Before planting new trees, learn to care for the ones you already own. The NC State Extension offers a fantastic resource for identifying the 21 most common trees in our state. Knowing if you have a Red Maple or a Sweetgum helps you understand its specific needs. Simply educating yourself on your surroundings can increase the impact you can make throughout the year.
- Watch for Invasives: Part of being a good steward is knowing what not to plant. Species like the Bradford Pear may look pretty for a week in spring, but they are brittle, short-lived, and aggressively invasive in our local woodlands. They smell bad, and can you believe it, the people who love growing trees are telling you we have got to get rid of them.
- Mulch Like a Pro: When you plant, avoid the “mulch volcano” piled against the trunk. This traps moisture and invites rot. Instead, create a flat “donut” of mulch that stays a few inches away from the bark. A layer of 3 inches or less is all that is necessary. Grafts and root flares should not be buried underground or by mulch.
For Our Community
This Arbor Day, I encourage you to do more than just read about trees. Get involved. Learn about community planting events, or stop by our garden center in King to find a tree type that fits your lifestyle.
Planting a tree is perhaps the most unselfish act a person can perform. You may never sit in the full shade of what you plant this March, but your children will. Your neighbors will. The birds that visit your yard next spring certainly will. That is the essence of Arbor Day.
Keep North Carolina green, happy planting!