Consider where you want to plant, then find a tree to fit the site, one expert advises.

Consider where you want to plant, then find a tree to fit the site, one expert advises.
By SEAN BARRON
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- With some effort, the Mahoning Valley will be a lot greener and cleaner this spring. It takes a positive attitude and a little research.
And it takes trees.
Today is Earth Day, and many Valley residents will plant a variety of trees and greenery.
"Pines are common for planting. Evergreens and other leafy trees are good because they absorb carbon dioxide, a major problem in our area," said Jim Petuch, an environmental specialist at Youngstown State University. They also release oxygen, he added.
But some reasons for planting are more personal.
"People often plant to honor someone, a family member or other loved one," said Mary June Emerson, an education specialist with the Mahoning County Soil and Water Conservation District.
Pointers: Before setting out on your dig, Emerson suggests, take the shovel and dirt -- and a few considerations.
Start with a seedling or other young tree; newer trees adapt to a given area faster than older, larger ones, Emerson said. In many cases, older varieties have been transplanted and may have lost up to one-third of their roots.
"Transplantation is stressful for the tree. The larger the tree, the more difficult it is for it to come back," she explained. Smaller varieties are also less expensive, she added, and trees common to this area, such as maples, pin oaks and dogwoods, will adapt faster.
Location: Make sure to look at soil conditions, such as acidity, and to consider where in the yard to plant.
"The actual location around the home is important. Some do better on the west- or south-facing sides, which get more direct sunlight. Some do better on the north or east side of the house, which is cooler and wetter," Emerson explained.
A tree's height and width will also tell where it should be planted. Those that will grow taller should be planted in more open spaces, away from structures, Emerson said.
When shopping, find a tree to fit the spot in which you wish to plant instead of the other way around.
"Put a tree in the right place, and you'll have to do lower maintenance," she said.
Event: Earth Day features numerous festivities and events to call world attention to environmental issues and to keep them in the political arena. It led to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act.
Earth Day was founded by former Wisconsin Sen. Gaylord Nelson. The first celebration was in April 1970, when about 20 million people nationwide took part. Since 1990, the annual event has been celebrated worldwide.