As the saying goes, the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the second-best time is today. Winter Storm Fern did a number on our trees, and if you’re like me, you’re itching to plant new ones. Great news — this is the perfect time to give a new tree buddy a great start, because the cool temps will let them get established before the heat and drought of warmer months set in. Here are some great options if you’re looking to find native or locally grown trees for your yard or business.
Every year, the Tennessee Environmental Council distributes thousands of bare-root saplings across the state to help build our tree canopy. This year’s event is on March 21, and their timing couldn’t be better. Order your saplings for pickup (they’re all less than $5!) at one of a dozen Nashville-area locations by March 8.
I’ve purchased two trees for my yard via NTCC, and since one of them was brutally crushed during the ice storm, I guess it’s time for another. Their 9th Annual Tree Sale is up and running right now, with locally grown trees of all kinds ready to find new homes. For an additional fee, they’ll even plant them for you.
Root Nashville is working with the city and the Cumberland River Compact to plant 500K new trees in Nashville by 2050. They accept applications for new trees in the right-of-way and public spaces, and you can also apply for 10+ trees to reforest your community. The form to order trees for your home will open on June 1.
💚 Local Nurseries and Giveaways
Several nurseries in town sell native trees. Naturalist Jo Brichetto recommends Wonder Gift & Garden in Kingston Springs, and the good people at Bates Nursery are always happy to look at photos of your space and make a recommendation. You should also keep an eye out for the Nashville Tree Foundation’s giveaway events — they often pop up at farmers’ markets with container trees you can take home.
