April 25 is Arbor Day Tree Giveaway

Ashland's annual Arbor Day Tree Seedling Giveaway will take place at Ashlands Central Park on Saturday, April 25, from10:00 a.m. until all seedlings are gone. This is the 20th year Ashland has been recognized by the National Arbor Foundation as a Tree City.

This year, the emphasis is on trees that are appropriate for an urban setting, with 4200 seedlings in 12 varieties: Black Cherry, Blackgum, Cypress, Green Ash, Kentucky Coffeetree, Pecan, Eastern Redbud, Roughleaf Dogwood, Red Shumard Oak, White Pine (2yr),Washington Hawthorn and Willow Oak.

We are pleased to have the popular Dogwood and Redbud trees available this year, said Amber Berry, Ashland Parks and Recreation Director. Many people were disappointed last year when the Dogwood and Redbud nurseries were damaged bytornadic weather, so we've order large numbers for this year.

The Arbor Day seedling give-away is sponsored by the City of Ashland and the Kentucky Division of Forestry in conjunction with the Ashland Tree Board. Two new Tree Board members, Beverly Sparks and Debbie Wilson, are joining current members Carrie Stambaugh and Jess Tarbox in planning for the event.

The Tree Board members, UK Cooperative Extension Master Gardner class members and Extension Horticultural Agent Lori Bowling will be available at the distribution to answer questions. Ashland Community and Technical College students and employees will assist in the distribution as a community service project.