Tree Board Distributes Free Trees During Give-Away

More than 50 Sidney residents turned out Saturday for the annual City of Sidney Tree Give-Away held at the Lodgepole Valley Youth Camp.

The event, held by the Sidney Tree Board, provides ornamental and shade trees at no cost to Sidney homeowners. The event was part of this year's Arbor Day Celebration.

Hosted by the Lodgepole Valley Youth Camp Board, attendees learned about the types of trees being given away - along with a tree planting demonstration.

As part of the program, Arborist Galen Wittrock showed those present how to prepare roots of both container and bare root trees to optimise growth. He showed what can happen if roots aren't properly freed in a container package - resulting in the roots growing in a circular pattern with the tree dying in a few short years.

Wittrock reviewed the trees offered, explaining that the trees chosen for the event were picked because of they adapt well to the climate and soil conditions in the area.

In all, 85 trees were distributed, with local Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts assisting with the hand out.

"We had a good event, especially considering all of the things going on in town Saturday," said Tree Board chair Tom Von Seggern. "There were a lot of young people there, which we like to see. There were families going to be planting together."

As part of the program, attendees also learned about two other groups. Dana Revelle of the Deer Run Community Garden reviewed how residents who don't otherwise have room to garden can rent a spot at the Garden near the city soccer fields. She also told those assembled about the garden group's effort, along with UNL, to provide fresh garden produce to the community food bank.

Emma Sherman, the new director for Keep Sidney Beautiful, also addressed the group, sharing KSB's vision and plans for the year.