N.C. Forest Service and NCSU Forestry celebrate NC Arbor Day

“Planting trees is important because they clean the air we breathe and the water we drink. Trees increase our property values, lower our energy consumption and costs, help control

 stormwater, and substantially benefit wildlife and human health,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “Trees are a good investment of public dollars, and planting trees is a simple, responsible and natural solution to many challenges that we face each day in North Carolina. Communities across the state are holding Arbor Day celebrations, and I encourage everyone to contact your local municipality to be part of their event.”
Arbor Day in North Carolina was designated as the first Friday following March 15, while National Arbor Day is held the last Friday in April each year.

Ways  You Can Celebrate:

Arbor Day is all about giving thanks to your trees. There are many ways you can celebrate your trees. Here are a few ideas:

• Pick up litter. The trees clean the air for us. Let’s clean up the ground for them.
• Get outside. You can’t show your gratitude to trees from indoors. Get outside and spend time in nature.
• Plant a tree! What better way to celebrate our trees than planting one? Learn more about how to best plant trees with our reforestation page.
• Learn tree identification. Learn what trees are around you and their individual benefits. Check out our new tree identification resource helping you identify 21 of North Carolina’s most common trees.
• Understand invasive species. You can protect trees by understanding invasive species that harm them and utilizing best practices to avoid further spread. Learn more about invasive species on our forest health page.
• Manage your woodlots. The best way to have healthy trees is by learning forest management. Discover how to manage your forestland with our forest management page.

The N.C. Forest Service offers a variety of state forestry programs that grow and strengthen our forest resources by supporting landowners and communities with tree planting, site preparation and forest improvement practices. Planting trees and responsible urban forest management at the local level such as community involvement and participation in urban forestry recognition programs are critical to sustaining healthy forest resources throughout North Carolina.

N.C. Forest Service staff are available to help landowners manage their woods and communities manage their urban forest. NCFS staff are also available to assist with developing Arbor Day celebrations and presenting Tree City USA, Tree Campus Higher Education and Tree Line USA awards during community celebrations.

Find your county ranger’s contact information. Learn more about the N.C. Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program