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Celebrate Florida Arbor Day with tree planting, tree giveaways

Tory Moore
·2 min read
Florida Arbor Day lands on Jan. 21 this year, an ideal time to plant a tree in Leon County. Shown here is a file photo of Arbor Day in Baker County.
Florida Arbor Day lands on Jan. 21 this year, an ideal time to plant a tree in Leon County. Shown here is a file photo of Arbor Day in Baker County.

Florida Arbor Day lands on Jan. 21 this year, and UF/IFAS has opportunities to celebrate across the Sunshine State. Events include tree giveaways, education on tree selection based on region and more.

The date, shifted up from national Arbor Day in April, is situated at an ideal planting time for trees in Florida. The state’s warmer climate sends trees into a state of dormancy this time of year, which means transplanting is less stressful for the trees and increases the chance of survival in a new landscape.

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Interested in planting a tree in celebration this year? Here are some tips from UF/IFAS Extension experts to keep in mind.

Volunteers Ken and Ardieth Davis and Ken Walling dig a hole for a new tree at Maclay Gardens. The Tallahassee Garden Club received a grant to assist the park in replacing trees damaged by recent hurricanes.
Volunteers Ken and Ardieth Davis and Ken Walling dig a hole for a new tree at Maclay Gardens. The Tallahassee Garden Club received a grant to assist the park in replacing trees damaged by recent hurricanes.

  • Select a Florida-Friendly tree best suited for your region.

  • Once ready to plant, dig the hole 1.5 times the width of the root ball or container-size being planted.

  • Find the topmost root. This must be planted at, or an inch or two above, ground level.

  • Fill the soil around the root ball, but do not cover it.

  • Place a layer of mulch 3 inches thick around the tree, leaving a donut shaped ring around the trunk and root ball.

  • Water within the donut of mulch. Remember to never pile mulch around the trunk of a tree.

To get involved in a celebration near you, consider these events or reach out to your local UF/IFAS Extension office directly:

Leon County

UF/IFAS Extension Leon County faculty, staff and Master Gardener Volunteers will assist with the annual community Arbor Day planting event at 8 a.m. on Jan. 22 at Broadmoor Pond Park, 4723 Jackson Bluff Road. Mark Tancig, horticulture agent, will demonstrate how to properly plant a tree.

Franklin County

The City of Apalachicola Tree Committee is holding an Arbor Day celebration on Saturday, Jan., 22 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Scipio Creek Farmer’s market in Apalachicola. Erik Lovestrand, Franklin County Extension director, and local Master Gardener Volunteers and will be on hand to answer questions from the public. The event will involve a tree giveaway and information to hand out on tree care and proper plant selection for the home landscape.

For more information on events in your area, tree care or the importance of Florida-Friendly Landscaping, contact the Leon County Extension Office.

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida celebrates Arbor Day with tree planting in January