Plant A Valentine
Want some beautiful trees for your yard? Or looking for a nice understory shrub? We’ve got red mulberry, black gum, willow oak, swamp chestnut oak, and silky dogwood seedlings to give away. Stop by any of these locations and pick up some free trees and shrubs while supplies last!!
Friday, Feb. 13, 9-11 a.m. - Elizabeth City/Pasquotank Senior Center, 215 W. Water St., Elizabeth City, NC
Friday, Feb. 13, 9-11 a.m. - Perquimans County Center for Active Living, 1072 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, NC
Friday, Feb. 13, 2-4 p.m. - Camden County Library, 118 NC Hwy 343 N, Camden NC
Saturday, Feb. 14, 9-11 a.m. - Pasquotank County Library, 100 E. Colonial, Elizabeth City, NC
Trees are first-come, first-served at each location. We will have some experts on hand to answer your questions. The seedlings will be about 12 to 15 inches tall and dormant. Plant as soon as possible for best results.
WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!
SIGN UP HERE TO HELP US WRAP OR GIVEAWAY THE TREES.
Volunteers get first dibs on any leftover trees!
About the trees
Red mulberry is a small, deciduous tree with somewhat heart-shaped leaves and fruit (resembling blackberries) that mature in summer. It grows 20 or 30 feet tall with a short trunk about 2 feet in diameter. The fruit, however, can stain driveways and sidewalks, so keep that in mind when planting.
Black gum is a medium-sized, slow-growing, deciduous tree with beautiful scarlet red fall color. Its upright growth works well in most landscapes. It is a good street tree and shade tree, and an excellent choice to support wildlife.
Willow oaks are wonderful trees. They are fast growing, long-lived, and strong in high winds. They are a high-value wildlife tree for birds and mammals, and a host plant for numerous butterfly larvae. Willow oaks may grow 40 to 75 feet tall and 25 to 50 feet wide.
Swamp chestnut oak is adaptable to urban conditions and makes a great shade tree for a larger yard or park. They are tolerant of wet and compacted soil, and grow 60 to 80 feet tall. As with most native oaks, it is a high-value wildlife plant.
About the Shrub
Silky dogwood is a multi-stemmed, medium- to large-sized shrub in the dogwood family. Clusters of creamy white flowers bloom in the spring followed by blue drupes that ripen in late summer. Silky dogwood does best in partial shade, but can tolerant full shade. Grows 6 to 12 feet tall.
Why native trees?
Being native trees, the red mulberry, black gum, willow oak, and swamp chestnut oak trees grow well in our climate and soil conditions. They are more resistant to local pests and fungal infections than non-native trees. They are an important food source to native pollinating insects, and their seeds and berries are eaten by many species of wildlife.
Click here to learn more about the trees.
Why Plant Trees?
Trees help clean our air, water, and soils of pollutants that harm our health. They help to cool down the surrounding area and our atmosphere by absorbing carbon dioxide, helping to fight climate change. They reduce flooding and soil erosion and are important for wildlife. Planting native trees are better for the ecosystem than non-native trees. Not to mention they are beautiful!
Enjoy
Planting a seedling and watching it grow into a tree is a great outdoor activity for children and families.
Thank you, and Happy Valentine’s Day!
Resources
Click here for instructions on how to plant your seedling.
This short video shows you how to plant your baby tree:
Partners:
Green Saves Green
NC Forest Service
Elizabeth City Urban Forestry Commission
Since 2021, we’ve given away 1,500 native trees
We’re delighted so many of you are excited to give these amazing trees a home in your yard and across your many acres. Our local wildlife appreciate it too!
