The Garden Fanatic -- Steve Kawaratani

“The Times -- they are a-changing.”

-- with apologies to Bob Dylan

“Other holidays repose upon the past, Arbor Day proposes for the

future.”

-- J. Sterling Morton

I barely recognized myself last Friday -- my column that is. Sure, the

words appeared familiar, however, Jerry Ledbetter’s wheelbarrow of garden

tools had disappeared. So too my dated portrait. But mainly, I was

wondering what happened to my three cats.

Today is National Arbor Day. The very first Arbor Day took place in

Nebraska 130 years ago. History recounts that one could wander for miles

over the western plains without seeing a tree. Settlers had chopped down

the few, native trees for either their homes or firewood. J. Sterling

Morton, a Nebraska newspaperman, came up with the idea of Arbor Day to

encourage the planting of trees to reforest Nebraska.

His inspiration led to a massive tree planting campaign by students,

church groups and other civic organizations.

Morton’s inspiration has led to Arbor Day celebrations in almost every

state. In California, Arbor Day is observed on Luther Burbank’s birthday,

a leader for conservation efforts in our state’s early history.

I recall my father, Pete, planting Arbor Day trees at Aliso Elementary

School more than 40 years ago. As the years passed, the trees prospered,

growing over the athletic fields. Today, many of the surviving trees

makeup a portion of Fred Lang Park in Laguna. I smile as I drive past and

remember that tree-planting ceremony from my childhood.

All of the trees in our garden, streets, parks and watershed lands are

members of the urban forest. Trees take in carbon dioxide -- the rate is

about 50 pounds per tree each year -- and release oxygen. The shelter

trees provide can save a home 50% in air conditioning costs and reduce

heating needs by 30%. And of course, trees improve air quality, reduce

unwanted noise and just make us happier by their presence.

We’re losing four trees for every one planted, despite all of the

wonderful benefits they provide. Globally, forests are being cleared at

the rate of one football field every second. Although there is plenty of

available space for street trees in America’s cities, there isn’t enough

money in city budgets to pay for them. It’s obvious that we must plant

trees and preserve the ones we have.

I’m often asked, what can you do with a tree? Begin with responsible

selection and consideration of neighbor’s views. Then, swing and climb it

and eat from it. Lie under or lean on it. Muse, gaze and enjoy it. We

honor all trees and our legacy by observing Arbor Day and planting a

tree. See you next time.

* Steve Kawaratani is the owner of Landscapes by Laguna Nursery, 1540

South Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. He is married to local artist,

Catharine Cooper, and has three cats. He can be reached at (949)

497-2438, or E-mail to plantm@lagunanursery.com.