Florida Arbor Day is Jan. 21

Florida Arbor Day is Jan. 21 this year! UF/IFAS has opportunities to celebrate across the Sunshine State. Events include tree giveaways, education on tree selection based on region and more.

National Arbor Day is in April, but Florida Arbor Day takes place during an ideal planting time for trees in Florida. Trees are in a state of dormancy this time of year, so transplanting is less stressful for the trees and increases the chance of survival in a new landscape.

Interested in planting a tree in celebration this year? Here are some tips from UF/IFAS Extension experts:

• Select a Florida-Friendly tree best suited for your region.
• Once ready to plant, dig the hole 1.5 times the width of the root ball or container size being planted.
• Find the topmost root. This must be planted at, or an inch or two above, ground level.
• Fill the soil around the root ball, but do not cover it.
• Place a layer of mulch 3 inches thick around the tree, leaving a donut shaped ring around the trunk and root ball.
• Water within the donut of mulch. Don't pile mulch around the trunk of a tree.