Arbor Day Celebration and Tree Giveaway Going On Now In Molino

January 24, 2014

Escambia County Extension will host an Arbor Day celebration and tree giveaway event  until noon today at the Molino Community Center, 6450 Highway 95A North.

To obtain a free tree, residents must participate in a 10 minute tree-based educational session that will include site selection, proper planting, watering and general care and maintenance. Two tree species will be offered, mayhaw and willow oak, in one gallon containers. The giveaway is limited to one tree per client.

Information about the two tree species:

The willow oak (Quercus phellos) is native to North America. As a deciduous  shade tree, it averages 70 feet in height and 40 feet in width. Leaves are narrow  and grow up to 5 inches long. Fall leaves are a pale yellow color. Younger trees are pyramidal in shape becoming rounded with age. The willow oak grows in many soil types and is drought tolerant once established. Acorns attract many  birds and trees are used for nesting and cover.

The mayhaw (Crataegus aestivalis) is native to southeastern United States. At full maturity, it will be a large shrub or small tree with height and width averages 20 feet. The small leaves of the mayhaw drop in the fall. It should be noted that the branches have thorns. Trees bloom with white flowers in late winter before leaves emerge. Small fruit (about ½ inch in diameter) form about May. The  mayhaw prefers soils with some moisture but well drained and grows best in sun.

Pictured: This morning’s tree giveaway in Molino. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

5 Responses to “Arbor Day Celebration and Tree Giveaway Going On Now In Molino”

  1. Big Al on January 23rd, 2014 9:57 am

    Do you have to live in Florida? Can Atmore or Flomaton residents participate?

  2. David Huie Green on January 23rd, 2014 9:49 am

    Puddin, you should be able to make it

  3. knksmommy on January 23rd, 2014 9:04 am

    This is really neat!!! I also wish I was available to get a tree, unfortunately I have to work :(

  4. Puddin on January 23rd, 2014 7:50 am

    Love it! Wish I could be there to get a tree. Anybody want to grab a mayhaw for me? ;-) Ah well, maybe next time. Wonderful idea though.

  5. Lindsey on January 23rd, 2014 1:24 am

    That’s so cool (:

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive