Arbor Day shrub and tree distribution is April 11 in four cities
By Bonnie Orr
WSU Chelan/Douglas County Master Gardener
Arbor Day 2026 Selections
White Lilac, Syringa vulgaris, has a moderate growth rate and reaches 10 feet to 15 feet in height and 12 feet in width if not pruned. Its dense growth and adaptability to a wide range of environments make it an excellent choice for windbreaks or hedges. It produces large, fragrant blossoms in spring. Lilacs are very long lives and highly resistant to drought and cold once established. Important for habitat and pollinators.
Fraser Fir, Abies fraseri, is a popular Christmas tree. This two-needle fir grows reddish upright cones about 4 inches high. The tree grows to 30 feet to 40 feet high and 10 feet to 25 feet wide. The needles are soft and fragrant. Requires medium water. It provides shelter for wildlife.
Red Osier Dogwood, Cornus sericea, is a deciduous shrub that grows 3 feet to 9 feet and spreads with underground runners. It can be used for erosion control or as dense hedges. The bright red stems provide winter interest in the garden. The cluster of white flowers attract pollinators. This native shrub is drought tolerant after being established for two years. It can grow in sun or part shade.
Woods Rose, Rosa woodsi, is a cold-hardy deciduous spreading shrub that is native to the West. It is very drought tolerant. Grows in sun or part shade. It has moderate growth —2 feet to 5 feet, usually less — and can be held at any height with yearly pruning. The dark green leaves set off the pink flowers that bloom in May and June, followed by bright orange/red rose hips in fall. Deer resistant, low-water requirements. Attractive to wildlife and pollinators.
How to plant a healthy tree
- Trees do not thrive when planted in the center of a lawn because lawns are watered too much and too often for a tree’s liking.
- When planting within grass-covered landscapes, it’s recommended to remove the grass at least 3 feet from the trunk and root collar in all directions and cover this dirt with a mulch material such as wood chips.
- Always look up before you plant. The minimum height of overhead utility wires is 25 feet. If planting under utility wires, make sure the mature height of what you are planting is not taller than 25 feet. Trees or shrubs contacting overhead power lines can be a public safety hazard and also impact service reliability. Utility companies typically top or side-prune trees to achieve safe clearance distances.
- Most trees and shrubs prefer full sun.
- Many times a shrub is a better choice than a tree. We have beautiful views in this area, and a shrub that grows only to 20 feet will provide privacy and preserve both your and your neighbor’s views. Tall trees are often topped to create views. This is an unacceptable practice that weakens the health of the tree as well as destroying its natural shape. Topping creates dangerous, diseased trees.
Be aware that a tree’s roots extend 1 1/2 times the height of the tree and could compromise your neighbor’s landscaping.
The Greater Wenatchee Arbor Day Celebration is slated for April 11, with shrubs and trees available at four sites. Distribution will take place at:
- Foothills Community Center, 1312 Maple St., in Wenatchee, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- East Wenatchee City Hall, 271 9th St., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Martin’s Market, 130 Titchenal Way, in Cashmere, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Entiat City Hall, 1470 Kinzel St., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The species of trees and shrubs this year are either seedlings or plugs. We ask a $2 donation so we can purchase plants for next year.
This is the 37th year of tree and shrub distribution locally. The Greater Wenatchee Arbor Day Committee has helped people beautify the region with about 175,000 seedlings that have grown into trees. We want to make photo album of the mature trees, and you can help us. Take pictures of the Arbor Day trees and shrubs you have planted. Tell us which year, or approximately which year, you did the planting. Send photos to Greater.Wenatchee.arborday@gmail.com.
The local Arbor Day committee likes native species and looks for plants that will provide multi-season interest: flowers in spring and color in fall. We select plants that will attract pollinizers and produce fruit or seeds for wildlife and select at least one evergreen because some people like to grow a Christmas tree.
On the Web: https://facebook.com/greaterwenatcheearborday/
A WSU Chelan and Douglas County Master Gardener column appears weekly in The Wenatchee World. To learn more about your local Master Gardener program, visit bit.ly/MGchelandouglas or call (509) 667-6540.