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An Editorial Opinion of The Lowndes Signal

Gov. Kay Ivey announced Monday that she would join students in Montgomery in ceremonially planting a tree for the statewide traditional observance of Arbor Day on Feb. 18.

The ceremony, held on the Alabama State Capitol lawn, was one of several February events aimed at encouraging Alabamians to invest in the future by planting a tree.

Alabama Extensions’ Lowndes County office has planned its annual tree giveaway for Feb. 28 from 9 – 11 a.m. in the Hayneville Town Square. During these events, regional extension agents or other arborists often provide information on proper ways to plant and care for trees. 

The Butler County Forestry Planning Committee held an event ahead of Arbor Day and hosted its annual tree sale Saturday, Feb. 15. Set up at the Butler County Farmer’s Market, the seedling sale offered young trees for just $2 on a first come, first served basis with varieties ranging from crapemyrtles to magnolias and weeping willows.

Coinciding with the Greenville Camellia Society’s annual Camellia Show and sale, the event was a chance to purchase one or several of the many varieties of the small tree that blooms as Alabama’s state flower.

Trees, like the camellia, are long-lived plants standing the test of time for more than 100 years. Many of our residents can point to a tree — oak, pecan or one of many others — they have watched growing their whole lives.

Tree planting can be a family or community event or something an individual does for a variety of reasons. And, whether done as a memorial, landscaping feature or future fruit or bloom, a tree is an investment which pays out year after year in both production and beauty.