Today’s saplings are tomorrow’s shade trees.
Thanks to cooperation between the city and school, a few more may soon be planted around Stanley and Boyd—500 pin oaks to be exact.
Reporting to City Hall April 25, the Mr. Donnerbauer’s Horticulture Class. Students formed two assembly lines as they helped city workers bag the pin oaks from Paint Creek Nursery in Cadott. Each tree first had a moist towel placed on the roots before being packed in a plastic bag and gathered with others by classroom to be sent home with elementary school students.
“One for every kid in 4k through 5th grade,” City Administrator/Clerk-Treasurer Nicole Pilgrim said of the tree count.
Translated to student numbers that means 61 for 4K, 75 for kindergarten, 62 for first grade, 68 for second grade, 85 for third grade, 68 for fourth grade, and 81 for with grade.
Each tree came with a short intro letter highlighting the city’s membership in Tree City USA for “at least nine years,” as well as information on pin oaks and how to grow them.
“Feel free to plant them as you wish,” the letter states. “However, we ask that you do not plant them in the City boulevards (the areas been sidewalk and street) as they will end up blocking view of traffic.” Those receiving the distributed trees are asked to plant it, take pictures, and email them to the clerk or city Facebook page so they can be shared.
“Please remember to call Digger’s Hotline @811 before digging!” the letter reminds recipients.
Also included were instructions on pin oak tree care, as follows:
1. Choose a site. Pin oaks thrive in locations wit full sun and moist, well-drained soils. They prefer slightly acidic soil (pH .60 -7.0) and can tolerate a range of soil types.
2. Dig the Hole. The planning hole should be twice as wide and as deep as the saplings’ root ball. This allows the roots to spread without being constricted.
3. Plant the Sapling. Place the sapling in the hole, ensure the root collar is at or slightly above the soil surface. The root collar is the bulge where roots meet the trunk.
4. Backfill and firm. Fill the hole with soil, gently pressing it down around the roots to eliminate air pockets. Avoid burying the root collar.
5. Water. Water the sapling thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil’
6. Mulch. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the sapling, keeping it away from the trunk. Mulch helps retina moisture and suppress weeds.
Protect from deer and squirrels. Young saplings may be vulnerable to browsing by deer and squirrels. Consider using tree guards or other protective measures.
8. Water regularly. Pin Oak saplings need consistent moisture, especially during the first few years. Water deeply and less frequently, allowing soil to dry slightly between waters.
9. Fertilize. Consider adding a fertilizer designed for trees when planting. Follow the fertilizer instructions carefully.

With proper care, the same pin oaks just gifted to 4K through 5th grade students should be around for senior pictures, in a few more years.