VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Arbor Day was celebrated with the planting of 4 trees (3 varieties) in City Park: a Manchurian Alder was donated by the Valley City Park District, with two Common Hackberry trees donated by Riverside Gardens and the City of Valley City.

Lloyd Miller’s family donated the fourth tree. Miller passed away on February 19 of 2021 and his nephew, Jeff Moe from Louisville, Kentucky donated the Autumn Splendor Buckeye in his memory. The trees were planted by Mike Lentz, Park and Rec, Building and Grounds Superintendent.

Arbor Day, literally translates to “tree” day from the Latin origin of the word arbor. It is a holiday in North Dakota observed on the first Friday of May. If ever there was a time for trees it is now! Communities worldwide are facing issues with air quality, water resources, personal health and well-being, and energy use.

Valley City has been recognized as a Tree City USA for the 33rd year which recognizes the value that the city has placed on trees. Caring for trees properly is essential. The ND Forestry service emphasizes to not hit the tree when mowing, and to not use weed whackers around the tree because any hit or nick damages the bark.

The Barnes County Extension Agent, Randy Grueneich, recommends the Number Five (5) rule for mulch around the tree to protect it and help it grow: Five feet diameter for mulch, 5 inches deep and 5 inches away from the trunk of the tree.

If anyone would like to donate a tree to be planted in Valley City please contact the Valley City Beautification Committee at 701-840-0973.

Feature photo: The family of Lloyd Miller donated an Autumn Buckeye tree planted in City Park in Valley City on Friday, May 7 2021.