The environmental and economic benefits of trees and the role they play in communities throughout Georgia are the highlight of Georgia Arbor Day, observed annually on the third Friday in February. This year, that’s on Feb. 20.
“Our state’s forests are a major contributor to Georgia’s economy and provide thousands of products we depend on daily,” said Johnny Sabo, state forester for the Georgia Forestry Commission, in a news release. “Trees also improve air and water quality, support wildlife habitat, and enhance our quality of life.”
Georgia has 22 million acres of commercially forested timberland, and manages to grow more wood that it harvests each year, according to the Georgia Forestry Association. The forest industry has a $40 billion total economic impact.
Seth Hawkins, urban and community forestry program coordinator for the Georgia Forestry Commission, said Arbor Day is a day to slow down and acknowledge that we live amongst trees and how much we benefit from them every day.
“Georgia Arbor Day celebrations run the gamut from small to big,” said Hawkins. “Obviously, we encourage tree planting this time of year. A lot of communities choose to plant trees.”
Trees offer many benefitsTrees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping to clean the air. Spending time in nature around trees can reduce stress levels.Trees filter pollutants from the air, improving respiratory health.Trees slow down rainwater runoff, preventing soil erosion and flooding.Trees enhance the beauty and curb appeal of your property.
Planting trees locally can also help toward the replenishment of the tree canopy that was devastated by Hurricane Helene.
Using data from the Georgia Forestry Commission, Georgia Public Broadcasting reported that Augusta lost more than 30 acres of tree canopy on public lands. The loss was actually far greater, as most of the area’s tree canopy loss was on private or commercial properties that are not regularly surveyed.
Hawkins said the window is quickly closing on when you can plant new trees.
“We are kind of running into the tail end of the planting season,” said Hawkins. “November, through the end of February, you can get a little bit of planting done. In March, you just have to make sure and water them really well.”
Hawkins said deforestation is impacting the amount of tree canopy we have in Georgia. Since 1985, Georgia has lost more than 7% of its forest cover, which amounts to about 2 million acres, he said.
Increased runoff is one of the major consequences of deforestation is increased runoff, said Hawkins, as trees play a key role in absorbing stormwater.
But, he noted the reality that land is needed for housing, jobs, and other human activities that can compete with the preservation of trees.
Communities across the state on Friday will host tree plantings and educational events. Locally, the Georgia Forestry Commission partnered with the Savannah Riverkeeper to provide 500 chestnut oaks, 500 bald cypress, and 30 red oak trees to give away for free, said Mary Jacobson, finance director at the Savannah Riverkeeper.
“These are really big trees,” she said. “If people are interested, they need to have a big enough yard, at least 15 to 20 feet away from the house.”
Anyone interested in receiving a free tree should email their contact information to Mary Jacobson at Mary@SavannahRiverKeeper.org or call 706-826-8991.
This reporting content is supported by a partnership with several funders and Journalism Funding Partners.
Erica Van Buren is the climate change reporter for The Augusta Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at EVanBuren@usatodayco.com or on X: @EricaVanBuren32.