Georgia Celebrates Trees this Month for Arbor Day Feb 17

Communities across the state are planting trees and recognizing their benefits this month for Georgia’s Arbor Day. The day is observed annually on the third Friday in February, which this year falls on Friday, February 17.

“Special events are being held all over Georgia this month to mark the occasion,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Director Tim Lowrimore. “This is a great opportunity for communities to come together and support the many benefits trees deliver, including storm water uptake, cooling shade, homes for wildlife, and thousands of products,” he said.

The City of Cumming sponsored a day of tree planting and education with the Georgia Forestry Commission and the Georgia Tree Council last week. Georgia’s 137 Tree City USA’s were honored, along with 22 Tree Campus locations and two utility companies in the Tree Line program which recognizes arboricultural best practices.

Anyone interested in participating or organizing a local event should check with their community tree board or park service to find out about special activities planned for their community. The City of Atlanta will observe Arbor Day with a week of events from February 12-19, including a student art contest, tree seedling giveaways, and volunteer planting projects. Other events are planned by tree foundations and at select state parks.

“Planting conditions are ideal this month,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Urban & Community Forester Program Coordinator Seth Hawkins. “Winter is actually the best time to plant in our state, with lower temperatures and trees in dormancy. So get out and make a gift to the environment and to the next generation! The Georgia Forestry Commission has a ton of resources online at GaTrees.org  to help you,” Hawkins said.

For more information about tree planting, becoming a Tree City USA, and services of the Georgia Forestry Commission, visit GaTrees.org.