Free tree-planting workshop offered

Planting trees - and keeping them healthy - is the theme of a free half-day workshop on Saturday.

"The goal of the workshop is to help people select the right trees for the space they have available - and learn how to properly plant trees and maintain them over the years," said B.J. Cordova, a spokesman for Tucson Clean & Beautiful/Trees for Tucson.

The group is co-sponsoring the 8 a.m.-to-noon workshop in Sahuarita in cooperation with the Arizona Community Tree Council, Tucson Electric Power Co. and the town of Sahuarita.

People who plan to attend are asked to register in advance by visiting the Tree Council website - aztrees.org - or by calling 1-602-354-3023.

Benefits of planting trees include beautifying your yard and increasing energy efficiency, Cordova said.

"We encourage people to plant trees particularly on the west side of their homes, and also on the south and east sides," he said. "That maximizes shade and helps keep the home cooler, which reduces reliance on air conditioning."

Workshop participants will be encouraged to plant native tree species such as mesquite, palo verde and desert willow, Cordova said.

But there also are some non-native varieties that are low-water-use trees, he said.

The workshop, led by experts in tree care and urban forestry, will include information on the biology of trees, choosing an appropriate location for planting, and selecting a healthy tree at a nursery.

Part of the session will be held outdoors, where participants will learn about planting and pruning trees.

A similar workshop will be held from 8 a.m. to noon Oct. 20 at the Wheeler Taft Abbett Library, 7800 N. Schisler Drive.

if you go

• What: Workshop on tree planting and care

• When: 8 a.m. to noon Saturday

• Where: Anamax Park Recreation Center at 17501 S. Camino de Las Quintas in Sahuarita

• Cost: Free

• Registration: Online at aztrees.org or call 1-602-354-3023

Contact reporter Doug Kreutz at dkreutz@azstarnet.com or at 573-4192. On Twitter: @DouglasKreutz