Why Do We Celebrate Arbor Week in November in Chapel Hill?

Why Do We Celebrate Arbor Week in November in Chapel Hill?

In 2000, the Chapel Hill Town Council declared the first Friday after November 15th to be Arbor Day in Chapel Hill. Each year, on that day, the Town plants one or more trees at a Town-owned facility such as a park or entryway.

History

Arbor Day was started nationwide in April, 1872 in Nebraska. Since then, each state has chosen when they wish to recognize Arbor Day and celebrations across the United States take place year-round. In North Carolina, celebrations occur on the first Friday after March 15th, but here in Chapel Hill we choose to do things a bit differently.

Benefits of Fall planting

In Chapel Hill, planting trees during the fall gives them an extra growing season before the warm weather stress of summer. The combination of cooler temperatures and rain in the fall allows trees to establish their roots making it easier on them to adjust to extreme heat or drought in the summer.

Learn more about planting trees in Fall from Arbor Day Foundation arborists in this video: