
Here in the Northwest Panhandle of Florida, one of the biggest sectors of agriculture is forestry. Because of this, we recognize the national holiday of Arbor Day. Arbor Day was created to celebrate the importance of trees to our environment and how they are essential to our ecosystems. Florida Arbor Day was established in 1886, recording it as one of the first Arbor Day holidays to be celebrated in the United States. Now, Florida Arbor Day is celebrated on the third Friday in January, as the cooler temperate months of our state provide the best time to plant trees. By planting a tree, citizens are doing their part in reducing air pollution, conserving energy, and beautifying the State of Florida.
On Friday, January 17, the Florida Forestry Service in Jackson County will be hosting a tree giveaway in honor of Florida Arbor Day. They will start at 9:00 am at the Florida Forestry center located at 3973 Kynesville Road in Marianna, FL. Then, Saturday, January 18, there will be a community tree planting in the morning at Citizens Lodge Park in Marianna, where members of the community are invited and encouraged to come take part in planting trees to beautify the park. The Jackson County Tourist Development Council, Marianna Women’s Club, and the Jackson County Master Gardener Volunteers will be assisting with this event.
You received a tree, but what are the proper ways to plant and care for it? Young trees are vulnerable their first year of life until their root system becomes fully established. You must give the tree adequate rooting space. Any obstructions can cause a twisted root system and won’t allow the tree to grow properly. It is also best plant trees in groups if you are able. Trees in groups are better protected from high winds and adverse weather. For more information on planting and establishing trees, please visit: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/planting/planting-and-establishing-trees/