Trees across Iowa neighborhoods are getting all green and flowery. Did you know trees do more than just look pretty? They’re like superheroes for our health and our wallets.
Neighborhood trees are like natural air filters, cleaning up the air we breathe and making it fresher. They also help us feel less stressed and more focused. Being around trees has been shown to make us feel better both mentally and physically.
People love living in neighborhoods with lots of trees. Having trees around can make your property worth more. Trees help keep your house cooler in the summer so you can spend less on air conditioning. They’re great at soaking up rainwater, which can help prevent flooding in your neighborhood.
Get out and enjoy the beauty of April tree blossoms. Trees quietly improve our lives in many ways.
Tree seedlings available
Spring distribution has begun at the State Forest Nursery in Ames. Tree seedlings are ready for delivery or pickup. You can view current inventory and place your order at https://iowadnr.gov through Friday, May 24.
Fun ways to celebrate Arbor Day
Here’s some fun options for you and your family to celebrate trees near you throughout the year.
• Plant a tree. Check out the How to Plant a Tree from a Container video (www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_Oh3PtEsuk) for tips on how to plant trees properly.
• Discover what trees are growing around you. Iowa’s 10 Most Common Urban Trees (found at iowadnr.gov) can help you identify trees in your yard or neighborhood and learn more about each kind of tree.
• Calculate the benefits of planting trees. It’s easy to estimate the value of planting trees on your property with the i-Tree planting calculator (https://planting.itreetools.org/).
• Learn how to prevent wildfires. Smokey Bear lives within us all! Check out our easy and fun activities at iowadnr.gov/Conservation/Forestry/Educational-Opportunities to prevent wildfires when exploring Iowa’s great outdoor areas.
• Read a book about trees. Visit your local library and ask for books about trees.
• Explore all things trees. Use the Tree Scavenger Hunt activity sheet (www.iowadnr.gov/Portals/idnr/uploads/forestry/urban/Arbor%20Day%20Scavenger%Hunt.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery) to guide your outdoor adventures.
• Attend an Arbor Day event Friday, April 26. Communities across Iowa will be celebrating Arbor Day with various events including tree plantings, nature walks, and more. Tree City USA Communities (www.arborday.org) across Iowa will host events as well. Attend an Arbor Day event near you.
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