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By Carey Reeder | Managing Editor

The annual Chilton Natural Resources Council’s Arbor Day Tree Giveaway was held in downtown Clanton on Feb. 18 that gave out trees to green thumbs who plan to put them to good use on their own property. The giveaway is initiated each year by the Alabama Forestry Commission in conjunction with the Chilton County Conversation District and the Chilton County Master Gardeners.

While Arbor Day is not until April 25 this year, the giveaway is held in February because trees are dormant at this time. This time of year gives the Chilton County Extension Office and the CNRC the ability to get bare root trees out to the public. Early spring is the best time to plant trees, whether that is in the ground or in a container with potting soil.

Many people have been coming out to the event for many years, but for some it was their first time, like Patsy Robinson and Diane Williams. Some of the trees on their property had recently died, and they were getting new trees to replace those around their property at the giveaway.

“This kind of event is fantastic,” Robinson said. “We love it, and they do the (mums’ sale) too and we do that as well.”

Tree species that were given away included Southern Crab Apple, Eastern Redbud, White Oak, Dogwood, Persimmon, Red Maple, Bald Cypress and Pecan.