Thursday, April 28, 2011

Free Crabapple Trees

To foster more green in Lake County, Lake Metroparks is developing more roots in Lake County, literally.

Thanks to a generous donation by Doug Secor of Secor’s Nursery, several of the Lake Metroparks will have new plantings, just in time for Arbor Day. Arbor Day is a nationally-celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and care. Founded by J. Sterling Morton in 1872, it's celebrated on the last Friday in April.

Lake Metroparks is making available to the public, bare root crabapple trees at Penitentiary Glen Reservation Sunday, May 1. 

There will be several varieties of crabapple trees available. The trees, also donated by Doug Secor of Secor’s Nursery are large in size at two inches in diameter and at least eight feet tall. There is no charge for the trees.

Pick up is scheduled from 9:00 to 4:30 p.m. While supplies last.  There is a limit of two to three trees per family.  For home use only; trees are not for commercial or resale use.  Please bring a truck or means of taking the trees with you. For more information, call 440-256-1404.

While visiting Penitentiary Glen, enjoy a special art show, “Lake Metroparks through Paint & Canvas," with works by James Polewchak in the Nature Center. See your park system come to life through the medium of oil painting in this special one-man show. Visit native Ohio Wildlife at the Kevin P. Clinton Wildlife Center. Also, take a train ride provided by the Lake Shore Live Steamers.  (1-3 pm, weather permitting). 

Penitentiary Glen Reservation is located at 8668 Kirtland-Chardon Road in Kirtland. To get there, take I-90 to Rt. 306 south for about one mile. Turn left onto Rt. 615. Turn right onto Kirtland-Chardon Road and continue for two miles. Penitentiary Glen Reservation is located on the right side of the road.

According to TreeHelp.com, there are few plants that create greater intrigue or visual impact during all four seasons than the flowering crabapple. In the spring all eyes are enticed with delicate colors offered by emerging leaves and buds. Unopened flower buds may hint of one color and as flowers open, other hues are revealed in a spectacular floral display. As flowers fade the rich foliage offers another subtle contribution to the landscape.

Crabapples have diverse growth habits or tree shapes. The shapes consist of weeping (pendulous), rounded, spreading (horizontal), upright (columnar), vase-shaped, and pyramidal.  Flowering crabapples vary greatly in size. At maturity, certain cultivars will only attain a height of eight feet, while others will tower to heights greater than 40 feet. However, most flowering crabapples reach mature heights of 15 to 25 feet.

Due to their versatility, crabapples make excellent choices for use around homes, schools, parks, public and commercial buildings, and in highway plantings.  Tree health and vigor depends upon proper site selection and preparation. Before planting, have the soil tested to assure proper pH and nutrient levels. If necessary, make any adjustments to the soil before planting.

Every effort should be made to keep roots or the root ball from drying out before planting. For bare root trees, the planting hole should be dug wide and deep enough to allow for the natural extension of the root system. None of the roots should be cramped or bent to fit into the hole. This can result in girdling (strangling) roots that will slowly kill the tree. Damaged roots should be pruned just above the break or damaged area prior to planting.

For more information about site requirements, planting and establishment of crabapple trees, visit TreeHelp.com




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