NASHVILLE —The 19th annual Tennessee Tree Day continues to branch toward March 21. This is the first time there will be events in each of the state’s 95 counties. The Tennessee Environmental Council (TEC) is the primary organizer. Tree reservations are open now and close on March 8. 

Tennessee Tree Day is an opportunity for residents across the state to purchase native saplings of trees and woody shrubs to foster nature in their yards and neighborhoods. Woody plants provide habitat for wildlife, increase shade cover, help store carbon, and improve air quality.

Participants can pick up their trees on March 20 or 21 at any of the pick-up sites, which are run by various volunteer groups and businesses. Over a million trees have been planted thanks to Tennessee Tree Day since 2007. 

There are 11 species to choose from this year, including sweet pecan, black elderberry and American persimmon — iconic Appalachian fruiting plants. Some other species are white pine, river birch, smooth sumac and eastern redbud.

Each sapling can be purchased for either $3.99 or $4.99, depending on species. For those who are unable to afford to participate, TEC offers tree scholarships. These scholarships are funded by corporate sponsorships, agency sponsorships and personal donations.

-Emelia Delaporte