Celebrating Arbor Week In Alabama

National Arbor Day will be celebrated on April 25th, 2025, this year. And Alabama's first Arbor Day Proclamation was signed in 1887 by Governor Thomas Seay. However, in 1975 the Alabama Forestry Commission and other state organizations collaborated with the Alabama State Legislature to designate the last full week in February as Alabama's Arbor Week. As such, many cities throughout the state are offering free tree seedling giveaways this month to encourage the planting of trees throughout Sweet Home Alabama.

The importance of planting a tree cannot be emphasized enough by the art of wordsmithy. However, scientists do emphasize that one single large tree can provide a day's supply of oxygen for up to four people. And a recent study at the University of British Columbia revealed that one single tree along an urban street can help alleviate winds, shade pedestrians, and decrease wind pressure on nearby buildings. Furthermore, according to the World Economic Forum, within five years of planting, just one single tree can save 3% in energy costs for one household and twelve-percent in energy costs for one household within fifteen years.

In the aggregate, trees are nature's best gift to humankind to help humankind from poisoning itself. As trees absorb the pollutants from the atmosphere such as excess carbon emissions and greenhouse gases while in turn favoring us with the production of oxygen. Trees also help to filter the water we drink, prevent soil erosion and flooding, give life to the world's wildlife, as well as supplying us with medicines. In fact, trees have also been shown to be beneficial in improving one's mental health. As spending time around trees can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and in general improve one's mood and state of being. Additionally, trees have been shown to enhance one's cognitive function. And in Celtic folklore, trees are thought to represent harmony and balance.

Some of the various types of tree seedlings that will be given away this weekend throughout Alabama are loblolly pine, southern crabapple, eastern redbud, white dogwood, persimmon, red maple, and pecan. Several of the tree seedling giveaways recommend arriving early as supplies tend to run out. And in order to properly plant the tree seedling, it is recommended to dig a hole wide enough to accommodate the root ball, but not dig the hole too deeply. As the top of the root ball should be level with the ground. It is also recommended to carefully spread the roots of the tree seedling horizontally when placing the seedling in the hole. As well as to give the newly planted tree seedling a deep watering to help settle the soil.

Below is a list of some of the upcoming tree seedling giveaways being held throughout Alabama this month:

Tuscaloosa - on Saturday, February 15th, 2025 The Westervelt Company, Alabama Power, and the City of Tuscaloosa will be giving out 2,000 bare root and containerized tree seedlings at the Tuscaloosa River Market beginning at 7AM.

Columbiana - the Columbiana Beautification Board will be hosting a tree seedling giveaway at the Old Mill Square Park on Saturday, February 15th, 2025 from 9AM until 12PM. Those who are interested can contact Lisa S. Davis at (205) 368-6657 for more information.

Anniston - Anniston is having their tree seedling giveaway on Thursday, February 13th, 2025. They will be giving out tree seedlings from 10AM until 12PM at the Anniston City Market. Those who are interested can contact Doug Gaddy at (256) 241-7164 for more information.

Prattville - The charming city of Prattville is giving out their free tree seedlings on Saturday, February 15th, 2025 from 8AM until 11AM at the Pratt Park Pavilion.

Bay Minette - The Bay minette Beautification Committee is actually holding its annual tree seedling giveaway next Saturday, February 22nd, 2025, beginning at 8AM at the Bay Minette City Hall.

Heflin - The Cleburne County Soil and Water Conservation organization will be hosting their tree seedling giveaway on Thursday, February 20th, 2025 from 8AM until 3PM at the Alabama Forestry Commission on Highway 78 in Heflin.

Gulf Shores - The city of Gulf Shores is having their free tree seedling giveaway on Saturday, February 15th, 2025 at the Erie H. Meyer Civic Center from 8:30AM until 10:30AM.

Luisa Reyes is an attorney in Tuscaloosa with a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Judson, a master's degree in library science, and a law degree from Samford's Cumberland School of Law. She is also a piano instructor and vocalist.