Digging holes, spreading wood chips, singing: adds up to Arbor Day in Myrick Park

A hands-on demonstration of tree planting brought kids and grownups to La Crosse’s Myrick Park on Friday, for the city’s 33rd annual Arbor Day celebration. 

A red bud tree was being planted near the park entrance, and retiring city arborist Wyatt Wolfe asked kindergarteners for advice on digging a hole.

“How deep do we go?” asked Wolfe. “Do we go to China?” 

Wolfe asked the students from First Lutheran School about how far apart trees should be planted, so their roots can spread.

“Because the tree needs to be planted at the right height, because do all roots go straight down?” he asked. When Wolfe heard some answer “yes,” he responded “No, roots go out. That’s how they get a firm foundation.” Wolfe says a tree’s roots can grow out about two-and-a-half times its height.

Mayor Mitch Reynolds was on hand to issue an Arbor Day proclamation in the city, and the kindergarteners helped water the newly-planted tree and spread wood chips around it. They also sang a song about how you plant a tree.