Should the Government Plant Trees?

The question of government supported tree planting arose a few times after the creation of Arbor Day in 1872. J. Sterling Morton, the holiday’s founder, had pretty strong opinions on it.

The question of government support for tree planting projects was one which has frequently arisen since the inception of Arbor Day in 1872. J. Sterling Morton, the founder of the holiday, addressed himself to this matter while he was serving as Secretary of Agriculture in the cabinet of President Grover Cleveland. In a letter to J. J. Anderson of Wahoo, Nebraska, Morton outlined his thoughts on the subject. Copies of the letter are found within the Morton papers in the History Nebraska archives. The text follows:

Dear Sir: you suggest that the government should engage in the planting of timber belts for the amelioration of the rigors of climate. There is no question as to the utility of forest groves, roadside rows, and hedges, in modifying climatic conditions and influences. And there is no citizen of the United States who, during the last forty years, has taken a more active and profound interest in arboriculture than the writer hereof, who, from the institution of Arbor Day in January, 1872, down to date, has labored faithfully to inculcate in the public mind the value of tree-planting and forest conservation all over the American Union.

But I cannot agree with you that tree-planting is a business for the Government of the United States to engage in, any more than corn-planting, digging irrigation ditches, or exterminating Russian Thistles. Individual enterprise or corporate capital can bring about all that the citizens in any particular township, county, or state may desire in the way of reafforesting the country whenever, self reliantly, they enter upon such arboreal labors. Each farm, village lot, street in town, and roadside throughout the country, and every country home should be embellished by planting trees; and the people who are to enjoy the shade in summer and the shield in winter, which they will afford, should themselves be willing to liquidate their costs.

The tree is a democrat. It will grow as luxuriantly and extend as benign a shield in winter and shadow in summer beside the dugout or cabin of a pioneer on the prairies, as it will on the lawn of a palace. The tree makes no distinction as to the rank, the condition, or the politics of its planter, but grows for all and blesses all whenever, and wherever it is properly planted and cared for…

Expressing the hope that you will continue to use your influence and efforts in behalf of arboriculture everywhere, and assuring you of my profound interest in the matter, I remain, with great respect, faithfully yours,
J. Sterling Morton, Secretary.

Become a Member!

Our members make history happen.

Join Now

You May Also Enjoy

The Story of Omaha Police Fingerprint Expert Emily Byram

The Story of Omaha Police Fingerprint Expert Emily Byram

Marker Monday: Cather Childhood Home

Marker Monday: Cather Childhood Home

Yutan Tornado – March 23, 1913

Yutan Tornado – March 23, 1913

About History Nebraska
History Nebraska was founded in 1878 as the Nebraska State Historical Society by citizens who recognized Nebraska was going through great changes and they sought to record the stories of both indigenous and immigrant peoples. It was designated a state institution and began receiving funds from the legislature in 1883. Legislation in 1994 changed History Nebraska from a state institution to a state agency. The division is headed by Interim Director and CEO Jill Dolberg. They are assisted by an administrative staff responsible for financial and personnel functions, museum store services, security, and facilities maintenance for History Nebraska.
Explore Nebraska
Discover the real places and people of our past at these History Nebraska sites.

Upcoming Events

View our new and upcoming events to see how you can get involved.

Become a Member

The work we do to discover, preserve, and share Nebraska's history wouldn't be possible without the support of History Nebraska members.

Latest Hall of Fame Inductee

The Nebraska Hall of Fame was established in 1961 to officially recognize prominent Nebraskans.

Listen to our Podcast

Listen to the articles and authors published in the Nebraska History Magazine with our new Nebraska History Podcast.

Nebraska Collections

History Nebraska's mission is to collect, preserve, and open our shared history to all Nebraskans.

Our YouTube Video Collection

Get a closer look at Nebraska's history through your own eyes, with our extensive video collections.

Additional Research Resources

History Nebraska Research and Reference Services help connect you to the material we collect and preserve.

Support History Nebraska
Make a cash donation to help us acquire, preserve, and interpret Nebraska’s history. Gifts to History Nebraska help leave a legacy and may help your taxes, too! Support the work of History Nebraska by donating to the History Nebraska Foundation today.

Volunteers are the heroes of History Nebraska. So much history, so little time! Your work helps us share access to Nebraska’s stories at our museums and sites, the reference room, and online.