Kentucky coffeetree
Gymnocladus dioicus
The Kentucky coffeetree is a large, deciduous tree with a mature height of 60 to 75 feet and width of 40 to 50 feet. Under planted in urban areas, Kentucky coffeetree is excellent for parks, yards, and larger parkways. The male cultivars should be planted over the female due to the large seed pod of the plant. The banches are course with large leaves and small leaflets making this tree perfect for planting on a south exposure providing shade in the summer while allowing sun through in the winter. Native to Missouri, Kentucky coffeetrees’ ranges from Minnesota to Oklahoma to Tennessee to Pennsylvania and New York.
Plant illustration by Dale Larison, Missouri Department of Conservation
Arbor Day
On January 4, 1872, J. Sterling Morton proposed a tree-planting holiday to be called "Arbor Day" at a meeting of the Nebraska State Board of Agriculture. The date was set for April 10, 1872. It is estimated that over one million trees were planted in Nebraska that day. Since that date, 131 years ago, Arbor Day has grown into an international celebration.
The first Friday in April is the official Arbor Day in Missouri, April 4, 2003, this year and National Arbor Day is the last Friday in April (April 25, 2003). This does not mean your community must celebrate Arbor Day then. Your community can set Arbor Day any day you prefer. Many communities hold ceremonies on Saturday’s to maximize public attendance. Everyone is encouraged to celebrate this historic event whenever you choose.
There are several ways to celebrate Arbor Day. Of course the traditional way is to plant a tree, but you do not have to stop there. Arbor Day celebrations provides unique opportunities to educate people, get people together in a joint cause, and promote proper tree selection and care. The National Arbor Day Foundation has several suggestions on how to celebrate Arbor Day including presenting a play about a conversation between some kids and a statue of J. Sterling Morton, a block party, and others.
Arbor Day celebrations also provide the opportunity for organizations to work together. Groups that do not always work together can come together for trees. How about the Senior Citizens and a kindergarten class, or the electric utility, park board, and garden club, or a poetry club with local businesses, or any number of combinations of groups. All to celebrate trees.
Need more information or ideas for Arbor Day? The National Arbor Day Foundation provides the history of Arbor Day, teaching materials (many free), celebration ideas, and a free booklet titled “Celebrate Arbor Day Guidebook” and more on their web site at http://www.arborday.org/arborday/
It’s Time To Climb!
Many professional arborists still climb trees to properly perform their job. For some work, climbing is the only way to do it correctly. To highlight the expertise of these professionals, Dick Alvarez of Atascadero, California, founded the first ISA Tree Trimmer’s Jamboree in St. Louis, Missouri in 1976. Now known as the International Tree Climbing Championship (ITCC), Championships are now held in 20 countries around the world. The purpose has expanded to promote safe working practices, demonstrate improvements and innovations in equipment and techniques, and provide industry recognition to the public. It is also an opportunity for climbers to gather and exchange ideas with other professional peers.
The Midwestern Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture will hold the Chapter Championship on June 14, 2003, in Phelps Grove Park, 800 - 1200 East Bennett, Springfield, MO. Climbers throughout the Midwestern Chapter region will be competing for the honor of representing the Chapter at the International Championship at the International Society of Arboriculture’s Annual Conference in Montreal, Canada.
Climbers do not have to belong to the society to participate. They are required to check-in on June 13 between 5:00 and 9:00 P.M. for equipment inspection, rules review, meet the judges, and an opportunity to get answers to questions. Another required pre-competition meeting will be held at 7:00 A.M. on June 14 to answer any last minute questions and again review the rules.
Those not interested in climbing, but watching this unique event are welcome. The climbing will start approximately at 8:00 A.M., June 14, 2003. Tree industry related vendors are expected at the event as well. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the day, meet and make friends, and browse various types of equipment all at one place.
The local organizers are looking for volunteers, judges, and sponsors / vendors. If you are interested in providing help, sponsorship, or climbing, contact Tim Crews or Charlotte Turnbull at 417-865-1600 or email charlotteturnbull@ryanlawn.com