Websites provide information on trees native to region

Q. April 26 is Arbor Day. I would like to celebrate the importance of trees in our lives. Is it too early to plant a tree at that time and what is the best type of tree to plant in our area?

A. Arbor Day, first established in Nebraska on April 10,1872, was the brainchild of J. Sterling Morton, a Nebraska newspaperman, farmer and board member of the Nebraska State Board of Agriculture. He proposed a day for planting trees for their many benefits. Prizes were offered to the person and county planting the most trees, a challenge that reportedly led to more than a million trees being planted that year.

Since that date, Arbor Day has become a holiday worldwide. Across the U.S., it is celebrated on the last Friday of April.

Illinois has a strong connection to the tree-loving Morton family: J. Sterling Morton's son, Joy Morton, founded the Morton Salt Co. in Chicago and, in 1922, established the Morton Arboretum in Lisle where you can see many Illinois trees.

Tree planting on April 26 may be fine, but planting is best determined not only by the date but by considering:

1. Weather: Planting during heavy rain is not advised as waterlogged soil will not allow tree roots to become well-established.

2. Soil conditions: Poor soil and heavy clay will need different consideration (soil testing is a good idea).

3. Site considerations: Analyze the planting area for sun, shade and wind exposure.

You have a wide variety of choices on what type of tree to plant. Illinois is in the Eastern Broadleaf Forest Region, where hardwoods such as oak, hickory, elm, cottonwood, ash, maple and beech species predominate; pine is also found in smaller numbers. These native trees are habitats for the pollinators, birds and wildlife that thrive here and which seek the shelter and food these trees provide.

Here are some great resources to help you decide:

• The Morton Arboretum: Its Northern Illinois Tree Species list is comprehensive and enlightening (www.mortonarb.org/files/14CT_Northern_Illinois_Tree_Species_List_OPTIM.pdf); also guidance is available at www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-and-plant-advice/tree-species-list/filters.

• Museum Link Illinois: An interactive Tree Guide offers visuals and descriptions (www.museum.state.il.us/muslink/forest/htmls/trees.html).

• Arbor Day Foundation: A highly regarded national membership organization offers 10 free trees for your yard for becoming a member (shop.arborday.org/content.aspx?page=memberships).

• Help for Illinois gardeners: extension.illinois.edu/treeselector.

- Arlene Swartzman

• Provided by Master Gardeners through the Master Gardener Answer Desk, Friendship Park Conservatory, Des Plaines, and University of Illinois Extension, North Cook Branch Office, Arlington Heights. Call (847) 298-3502 on Wednesdays or email northcookmg@gmail.com. Visit web.extension.illinois.edu/mg.