Settlers arriving from the East found vast open stretches of land, but no trees, and so began planting trees on their farms and near their homes for shade, beauty, and to act as windbreaks and curb soil erosion. Julius Sterling Morton, a New York native who later moved to Michigan then settled in Nebraska, is credited as the father of Arbor Day. An early conservationist, he understood the importance of planting trees to prevent the loss of valuable topsoil. In 1872, as a member of the Nebraska Board of Agriculture, he pushed for a statewide day to celebrate tree planting. However, historians claim the tradition of planting trees to beautify an area actually began in 1630 in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
Trees provide more benefits than just shade and aesthetic beauty.
When planting trees for Arbor Day, or any other time, ensure their good health by following proper planting procedures, proper follow-up care after planting, and proper tree maintenance. This also means selecting a tree species that grows well in your area and providing the right soil for healthy growth. Before you plant, it's a good idea to check the soil pH and fertility with soil tests. Plant at the proper depth, that is, the depth at which the tree originally grew. Wrap and stake the newly planted tree if necessary.