Tennessee Tree Day coming in March

A statewide event that encourages Tennesseans to plant trees to benefit the environment, including energy efficiency, is gearing up for its 12th year with help from MTE’s SharingChange. A grant helped purchase 100,000 seedlings for Tennessee Tree Day, March 20–21.

“We organize this event every year because of the overwhelming demand we have from people who want to make a positive difference by planting trees,” said Jeffrey Barrie, CEO of Tennessee Environmental Council (TEC). Past SharingChange contributions have resulted in more than 50,000 trees being planted within the co-op’s four-county service area. More than 1 million native trees have been planted statewide since 2007.

Among the native trees available this year are low-growing, utility-friendly redbud, sumac and elderberry, plus river birch, bur oak, persimmon, pecan and more. MTE vegetation management specialists and UT Extension personnel can provide advice for selecting the correct tree for a location.

“Planting native trees is an ideal way to improve the environment,” says Cynthia Hernandez, TEC’s tree program manager. “Trees purify our air, filter our stormwater and provide food and habitat for birds and wildlife. They also provide much-needed shade for our communities, slashing energy costs and boosting property value as they grow.”

MTE members can participate in Tennessee Tree Day by reserving seedlings before Monday, March 2. Register online at tectn.org/TennesseeTreeDay, call 615-248-6500 or email treeday@tectn.org. A small donation is requested.

Options for local pickup locations, dates and times are provided with registration. There are 10 pickup sites within MTE’s service area. For those who find themselves with a new tree, visit mte.com/RightTreeRightPlace to learn about where to plant it to avoid interference with power lines.

Have a bare root tree already and want to know how to plant it?

Check out our tree planting guide >