A reminder that the City of Storm Lake is hosting a “Free Tree Day” this week.
The event will be held this Thursday. 150 young trees will be distributed free of charge as part of Storm Lake’s sesquicentennial celebration. Trees will be distributed from 4 to 7pm in the parking lot at the Sunrise Pointe Golf Course. Free trees will be offered one per household, and will be given on a first-come-first-served basis. The trees are for Storm Lake residents only, and must be used on residential properties.
White oak, red oak, and black oak trees will be available. The trees are seedling size between 18 and 24 inches.
The City of Storm Lake asks that trees not be planted on the parking area between a sidewalk and street as growing tree roots can interfere with below-ground utility lines. Fully-grown oak trees can get between 50 and 80 feet tall, with branch spread of similar distance.
According to the Iowa DNR, the prime tree planting season in Iowa is from November 1st until the ground freezes. Seedlings should be planted as soon as possible after they are received.
Thursday’s event is also considered the beginning response to the loss of many ash trees in Storm Lake due to emerald ash borer.
