Trees take center stage on Arbor Day

The last Friday in April is when most of the country observes Arbor Day, but in our neck of the woods it’s celebrated in February to line up with the best time to plant trees in our temperate zone

“Other holidays focus on the past,” Founder and Chairman Michael Hatcher said during a presentation to the Byhalia Garden Club on Feb. 10. “Arbor Day focuses on the future ”

The Arbor Day Foundation was founded in 1972 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the holiday The nonprofit conservation group distributes over 10 million trees every year

In Mississippi, Arbor Day is observed Feb 10 Tennessee's Arbor Day is March 3

Hatcher’s talk focused on the importance of trees in landscaping, including how trees can increase property values, save on energy costs, create beauty, and stimulate economic development

He also spoke about native species and popular trees in our area