Sarasota County to celebrate Arbor Day with educational events

Sarasota County and UF/IFAS Extension are celebrating Arbor Day 2013 with two educational events. "Pruning for Tree Health"will be held for homeowners from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, April 27, and a "Tree School," focusing on best practices and proper tree care for commercial audiences, will be held from 8 a.m.-noon Tuesday, April 30. (CEUs will be available: ISA, FNGLA). Both classes will be at UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County at Twin Lakes Park, 6700 Clark Road, Sarasota.

"Trees are an important part of our environment and improve our quality of life here in Sarasota County," said County Commissioner Christine Robinson. "This is a day to recognize the importance of trees and to learn about how we as citizens can come together and beautify our community."

In the spirit of Arbor Day, these educational programs will extend beyond simply planting trees to teaching people how to care for trees after planting to maximize their health, life span and impact on the environment. Properly managed tree canopies provide shade and wildlife habitat and help to reduce stormwater runoff. In addition, trees significantly increase the value of homes and properties.

The homeowner program will focus on proper pruning techniques to maintain healthy, well-structured trees. The program for commercial audiences will cover pruning, planting and establishment, selection of tree species, and disease and pest management.

For registration, visit sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu, or call 941-861-5000.

For more information about planting and caring for trees, visit UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County at sarasota.ifas.ufl.edu or Florida Forest Service at www.floridaforestservice.com

. For more information on Arbor Day celebrations, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000.