Annual Blount tree seedling sale under way
From Blount County Soil Conservation District
From Blount County Soil Conservation District
The Blount County Soil Conservation District will be taking orders for its annual fundraiser/tree sale through Feb. 20.
For sale are the following variety of tree seedlings: white pines, Baldcypress, Eastern Red Cedar, Redbud, Pink Dogwood, White Dogwood, Red Dogwood, Sugar Maple, Red Maple, Weeping Willow, Winesap Apple, Granny Smith Apple, Gala Apple, Fuji Apple, Moonglow Pear, Bartlett Pear, Kiefer Pear, Oriental Pear, American Hazelnut, Mockernut Hickory, Mulberry, Plum, Elderberry, Persimmon, Paw Paw, Pecan, Red Raspberry, Tame Thornless Blackberry, Silky Dogwood, Witchhazel, and Old Fashion Purple Lilac Bush.
The pick-up day is March 6 at the Blount County Soil Conservation District Office.
All tree seedlings that are being sold by the Soil Conservation District are grown in Tennessee and are adapted to grow in this region. Planting trees in mid-winter to early-spring gives young trees time to establish their root systems before the summer stresses of heat and drought. Instructions for planting and caring for the seedlings are provided when the trees are picked up. Although many people purchase the trees to improve the scenic beauty of their property, they are also helping the environment.
The trees help in several ways. The roots hold the soil in place and the leaves create a layer of mulch on top of the ground. They also provide food and shelter for wildlife.
According to the National Arborist Association, trees can increase property values by up to 30 percent depending on their size, type, location and health. Properly placed, they act as windbreaks, reducing heating bills by 15 percent and as cooling agents, screening out solar radiation.
Trees also help reduce stress, studies show, by providing a calming effect.
Proceeds from the sale are used for conservation education programs in Blount County.
