When the weather cools down, it is time to step outside, enjoy the great outdoors and give the landscape and trees some love, say city of Chandler staff.

In a news release, the city says its upcoming Nov. 2 celebration of Arbor Day highlights the importance and benefits of trees while providing education and instruction on introducing new trees to yards and other places.

Chandler Urban Forester Ryan McCartney explained why the city celebrates Arbor Day in November.
“Nationally, Arbor Day is recognized in April in conjunction with Earth Day,” McCartney explains in the release. “However, April isn’t a great time to plant and prune trees in Arizona’s desert climate. Fall is a much more appropriate time to introduce new plants and trees into your landscape.”

Chandler’s Celebration of Arbor Day takes place Saturday, Nov. 2 at Desert Breeze Park from 9 a.m. to noon. The free, all-ages event will include remarks from Mayor Kevin Hartke, tree-planting demonstrations, interactive tree-climbing demonstrations and vendors with activities for all ages.

Chandler residents can take home a complimentary five-gallon native tree species to plant in their yards, with valid identification and while supplies last.

Desert Breeze Park is located at 660 N. Desert Breeze Blvd.

For more information, visit chandleraz.gov/ArborDay.

We invite our readers to submit their civil comments on this topic.  Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.