NWF donates trees to Milton.

More than 200 Milton residents, plus a Boy and Girl scout troop, were able to take home and plant seedlings in celebration of Earth Day thanks to the generous donation by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF).

How to Plant your Seedling Tree

1) Dig a round hole at least one foot in diameter. Make a small mound of soil in the bottom of hole. 2) Take the seedling from bag and spread the roots out in all directions, using the mound as a root support. Pull loose soil back over roots, filling the hole halfway. 3) Lightly tamp soil down or fill with water. Backfill the rest of the hole and tamp soil again or re-water. 4) Do not compact the soil by tamping wet soil. Soil compaction eliminates oxygen, which roots need to survive! 5) Be sure the seedling root collar (where it was planted in the nursery) is at the finished soil level. Watering is the best method to settle the soil, eliminate air pockets and provide moisture to the root system.

Care for your new trees

1) Water daily for first two months and then weekly for next 6 months 2) Add a tree protector (can be made from recycled soda bottle-2 liters) by cutting off the top and taping bottles (4 together) and placing over tree. Protect from deer or other animals for eating tree. Keep on tree for at least 2 years. 3) Mulch around tree to help keep soil wet. Do not mound soil as it can kill the tree roots. 4) Weed around tree or remove grass frequently.

Milton must continue achieving points each year to maintain its status of a NWF Community Wildlife Habitat, so we need your help. If you have not certified your home or business as a NWF Habitat, we encourage you to do so by going to the Web site: http://www.nwf.org/how-to-help/garden-for-wildlife.aspx.