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Started in 1970 by Mr. John McConnell, Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22nd. As citizens of the planet, we should all be doing our part everyday to preserve our home for as long as possible.

One of the ways you can do this on Earth Day, or any day, is to plant a tree in your backyard. Here are instructions to help you do so:

Decide on the species of tree you would like to plant and where you will plant the tree in your yard. Choose a sapling and do not have to soak the roots before planting. Most trees ready for planting will have a burlap sack over it along with ties to hold the tree in place. Be sure to remove the ties, but the covering can be left. Open the burlap apling and cut the roots that encompass the outside of the root ball.

Next, dig a whole 3-5 times the size of the root ball. Leave a small heap of soil in the center of the whole and place the root ball on it. While holding on to the tree so as to keep it upright, fill the whole with the soil.

Once you've secured the tree in the hole with soil, be certain to remove any grass or weeds within approximately six inches around the tree. Using left over soil, create a small boarder around the outside of the hole and water well and add mulch as desired.

Submitted by Nicole