Westview Elementary School students will help City of Knoxville officials commemorate Arbor Day with a ceremony followed by a tree planting on Friday, Nov. 2, 2018 at 1 p.m.

Though Arbor Day is recognized nationally in the spring, the City of Knoxville celebrates the day in the fall, when the following dormant winter temperatures will give way to optimal root growth. 

“Our goal with Arbor Day is to raise both enthusiasm and education for tree planting, so it only makes sense to hold the event during the best time of year for planting trees in our region,” said Kasey Krouse, the City’s Urban Forester.

In the 2017-18 fiscal year, the City’s Urban Forestry Division planted more than 600 trees in parks, public spaces, medians and rights of way through a planting contract. City crews also pruned 2,675 trees and watered 4,450 trees during the 2017 growth season.

The community plays a large role in forestry efforts in Knoxville. Trees Knoxville, a local non-profit, planted 52 trees at schools this year, donated 1,650 to the community, and worked with 100 volunteers.

The City’s Tree Board organizes Arbor Day activities each year, in addition to working with the Metropolitan Planning Commission to develop a street tree plan. 

At the ceremony on Friday, the Tree Board will announce student winners in an Arbor Day poster contest.

“Educating and inspiring the next generation to appreciate trees is just as valuable as a community tree planting,” said Dale Madden, Tree Board Chair. “These kids always impress us with their passion and creativity around Arbor Day.”

For more information on the City’s Urban Forestry efforts, visit www.knoxvilletn.gov/trees.