Celebration of Trees

Bartlett Tree Experts will show you how to make the best decisions about which limbs to prune and how to make a good pruning cut. See an air spade in action as we excavate the root systems of trees that were planted too deep. See why cutting girdling roots is important to creating a healthy root system. And watch as we plant a new tree — the proper way — to prevent future root problems.

Also — learn why trees are so important to our pollinators, and especially butterflies. Deb Carman will be on hand to tell you all about the life cycles of butterflies. And children can participate in a variety of activities prepared by the Master Gardeners.

To cap the day’s activities, at 1:30 p.m. Deb will lead a tour of the MAEscapes gardens where you can get lots of ideas for your own garden.

Here is the schedule for the day:

10:00 – 10:10  Welcome   Master Gardener Dean Emig and York      County Commissioners Hoke and Reilly

10:15 -10:30  Station 1:   Root Collar Excavation                     Bartlett Tree Experts will show you why a buried root collar is a problem.  The Airspade and hand tools will be utilized to demonstrate proper root collar excavation.

10:30 – 10:45  Station 2: Structural Pruning- Young Tree Care           Good structural pruning when trees are young prevents many problems later.  Bartlett Tree Experts will discuss proper pruning techniques for young trees and use pole/hand tools to conduct a practical demonstration

10:45 to 11:00 Station 3: Tree Climbing                                     Bartlett Tree Experts will discuss and demonstrate mature tree pruning practices.  A climbing arborist will make pruning cuts while working aloft.

11:00 -11:15  Tree Planting                                                Planting a tree properly is the best defense against tree problems.  Master Gardeners will demonstrate the proper way to prepare and plant a small tree

11:15 – 11:30   Repeat stations 1 to 3

12:00 – 12:15   Butterflies

12:15 – 1:00  Repeat stations 1 to 3

1:00 -1:30   Join Deb Carman on a tour of the MAEscapes native plant gardens.

There is no fee for this event, but preregistration is appreciated. Free tree seedlings will be given out at the event to the first 50 people who have preregistered.  You can preregister by calling 7170840-7408 or e-mailing ksf13@psu.edu.  Rain date is Saturday, May 13 at 11:00 a.m.