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Originating as a celebration of Arbor Day/Arbor Week, the annual tree giveaway is going into its fourth decade.

The event is funded by the Urban and Community Forest Program of the Alabama Forestry Commission and the U.S. Forest Service with the intention of educating the public on the importance of trees and encouraging them to plant trees on their property. 

“In past years, we have had the event in multiple towns throughout the county. Due to the low number of trees available, we have only held one giveaway the past two years,” said Jim Dixon, Forestry Specialist for Marengo County. 

Trees in each of the following species will be available:

175 Southern Crabapple,

100 Eastern Redbud,

175 Flowering Dogwood,

75 Persimmon,

75 Red Maple,

75 Bald Cypress,

75 Swamp White Oak

and 75 Pecan.

These will be bare-root seedlings, approximately 8 to 24 inches tall, depending on the species. According to Dixon, it is best to plant them in a pot for a year before planting them in the ground. 

“They can, however, be planted right in the ground. They will require care, like any other plant, when first planted,” Dixon added, “I hope this year’s event is a success, as it has been in the past, and we are able to give away all the seedlings we have on hand.”

Plan to come out Friday, Feb. 28, to the Marengo County Business and Economic Development Center in Linden at 2400 E. Coats Ave. The event will start at 9:30 a.m. and will run until approximately 2:30. Quantities are limited, so if you have a particular tree in mind, be sure to get there early to claim yours.