Sandy Springs Celebrates Arbor Day, Friday

Provided by the City of Sandy Springs

City officials will mark Arbor day in Hammond Park, Friday, with the planting of a Black Gum (Tupelo) tree.

The Black Gum (Nyssa Sylvatica) is a North American native which typically grows 30 to 50 feet tall. It is best known for its fall color, when the leaves morph from yellow to orange to red or purple in a matter of weeks.

The celebration of Arbor Day dates back to 1872, when Nebraska journalist J. Sterling Morton, concerned about the loss of trees due to the construction of farms and houses, established the event for the state of Nebraska. The Nebraska State Board of Agriculture adopted the resolution to set aside “one day to plant trees, both forest and fruit.” 

While all fifty states today celebrate Arbor Day, the holiday is celebrated based on the best planting season for each state. 

An Arbor Day observance is also a requirement for a city to be designated as a Tree City USA community. The City of Sandy Springs has observed Arbor Day since its incorporation in 2005, and it has been a designated Tree City USA community for a fourth year.