UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Trees play important roles in communities by providing beauty, shade and fresh air. But most Pennsylvania towns are taking down more trees than they're planting, says a community forester in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences.

"Most of our street and park trees were planted 60 to 80 years ago," says Bill Elmendorf, instructor and coordinator of the urban and community forestry program in the School of Forest Resources. "As these trees grow older and die, or are taken down for roads, they aren't being replaced."

To address this concern, Penn State Cooperative Extension offers a free publication, "Planting Trees in Your Community Forest by Sylvan and Friends." This colorful, illustrated manual was designed for use by school tree planting groups, urban forestry volunteer organizations, 4-H clubs, and scouting and other youth groups.

"Because the manual is so arboriculturally complete, it appeals to adults as well," says Sanford Smith, a youth program specialist with the School of Forest Resources.

"Planting trees is one way we all can make a difference in the world," says Smith. "But whatever your reason for planting trees, there's a lot to know about tree selection, planting and care. The manual covers tree biology, community trees, planting sites, purchasing trees, planting methods, tree care and tree protection. It's also interactive and enjoyable to read."

"The manual is a great tool for landscape architects and arborists or anyone who wants to go to schools or groups to talk about trees," says Elmendorf. "You can use the book as an outline for your talk, then pass out copies to the kids."

Single or multiple copies of "Planting Trees in Your Community Forest by Sylvan and Friends" are available free of charge for Pennsylvania residents from county Penn State Cooperative Extension offices, or from the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Distribution Center. For ordering information, call 814-865-6713.

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EDITORS: For more information, contact Bill Elmendorf at 814-863-7941. Sanford Smith can be reached at 814-863-0401.

Contact: Jeff Mulhollem jjm29@psu.edu 814-863-2719 814-863-9877 fax #263