Clay County Residents Can Order Free Saplings Now

Clay County residents can start ordering right now for Tree Day in a giveaway for 50 free saplings on March 19.

Clay County Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent Kristin Rich said there will be a wide variety to select from and tree types change annually. Rich said these Tree Day giveaways are about showing people that trees are a major part of their life whether they realize it or not.

“Trees are an amazing quality, they beautify your property,” Rich said. “They have so many health benefits, of course they provide us with the oxygen that we breathe every day. Trees are cut down, also everyday. To be used in agriculture, to build homes, to provide paper that we write on.”

Rich said Clay County’s Agriculture Extension Office became a pick up site for saplings after the Tennessee Environmental Council reached out. She said thanks to this partnership, residents will have plenty of options to pick from.

“There’s Bald Cyprus, there’s Button Bush which is a bush,” Rich said. “A Northern Red Oak, Pecan Trees, Red Buds, Red Mulberry Trees. Some Pine Trees, Dogwood Trees, Sweet Gums, Tulip Poplar, White Oaks and actually a Wild Plum.”

Tree Day is on March 20, however the giveaway is set for 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the extension office on March 19. Rich said there are multiple ways to get ready to order by the March 7 deadline.

“You can visit the Tennessee Environmental Council’s website and order trees now until March 7,” Rich said. “They close it down March 7 so they can get them to the pick-up sites. You can follow us on Clay County Extension and I’ve been posting the links to actually order.”

Rich said that thousands of Tennesseans across the state participate in Tree Day every year. Tree Day should not be confused with Arbor Day, which is on April 30.