Growing Huntsville’s Tree Canopy – Mayor Battle’s Tree Planting Day, Nov. 4
Published on October 29, 2023
Mayor Tommy Battle and the City of Huntsville’s Green Team will host the Mayor’s annual Tree Planting Day in John Hunt Park on Saturday, Nov. 4. The event is designed to bring community volunteers together to grow Huntsville’s tree canopy.
Participation is easy! Green Team will prep the holes and provide all planting supplies. Mayor Battle, City Arborist Marc Byers and Green Team will have plenty of planting tips to share, too. All they need is the community’s help in creating a green environment.
“Many hands make light work, and the best way to secure a future for generations to come is by investing in planting trees now,” Mayor Battle said. “We invite our residents to join us in our commitment to a greener, more sustainable city by helping plant hundreds of trees in Huntsville’s largest park.
Landscape Management Director Brian Walker said his department carefully selects a variety of hardwood species that are the best ecological fit for an active park.
“Through our Tree Canopy program, the City plants, prunes and cares for thousands of trees,” said Walker. “We enjoy being stewards of Huntsville’s urban forest and we need everyone’s help to protect and expand this vital natural resource.”
As the City continues to expand and enhance John Hunt Park, Byers has been concentrating on larger growing trees that perform well in our area and benefit multiple generations. He selected over 300 trees consisting of a mix of Willow and Overcup Oaks, October Glory Red Maple, Sugar Maple, River Birch, Southern Magnolia, Eastern Redcedar, Cherokee Princess Dogwood, and a few other species.
“Using native plants ensures that the trees never become invasive, are well adapted for both hardiness and heat tolerance, and complement the existing landscape,” Byers said.
Why plant trees? Now more than ever, trees and forests are a vital component of healthy, livable and sustainable cities. They are the #1 defense against extreme heat, absorb carbon from the environment, and make our urban spaces more attractive.
Mayor Battle’s two-hour tree planting event on Saturday runs from 9-11 a.m. Green Team will have coffee and donuts and will give away free seedling trees while supplies last. Volunteers may drop in any time and all ages are encouraged to participate. Park at 2315 Airport Road and look for the Green Team signs.
