Arbor Day 2026
By Enrique Arayata
ISA Certified Arborist® OH-7252A
April 21, 2026
There’s a common saying that I’ve heard multiple variations of that goes somewhere along the lines of “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The next best time is today.” Although it might be a cliche, I do believe it to be a true and valuable statement.
A tulip tree sapling
©Russell Tree Experts
There’s something sweet and considerate about planting a tree. A tree is something you can plant to honor someone, celebrate a milestone, or remember a specific moment in life. You may not be the one to enjoy its beauty the most since it can take a while before it hits full maturity, which is pretty selfless to me! In that time, you may have moved homes or are off focused on other things. What won’t move on is the tree! It will remain in place for others to enjoy. And if you do stay at the same home to enjoy the tree for years and years, a well-maintained tree can outlive you and be around for future generations to admire.
Trees are also good for the environment with their carbon-absorbing and oxygen-producing abilities. The fruit and flowers can provide food, the crown can provide shelter, and the root zone can help support an active and diverse soil system. Trees are amazing and there is almost no such thing as planting too many trees.
All of this to say, Arbor Day is coming up! It’s this Friday, April 24th, 2026, and it’s a holiday to celebrate trees and encourage everyone to plant more trees! Last year, we gave hundreds of free trees away to the public and this year.... we’re doing it again!
This Arbor Day, Russell Tree Experts will be giving away 600 FREE tree saplings to the public! Just stop by Birdie Books on Friday 4/24 anytime from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM to pick up your free tree saplings! There will be 5 trees to choose from for all sorts of different planting sites with various growing speeds, mature sizes, sun preferences, and notable fruits, flowers, and foliage colors.
TREE OPTIONS
American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
White Oak (Quercus alba)
White Pine (Pinus strobus)
ISA Certified Arborists® will be available all day (including myself) for any help selecting your tree, and to discuss the do’s and don’ts when planting your trees at home! If visiting Birdie Books, check out their Arbor Day book collection to learn more about our favorite thing…. TREES! They also recently opened up their new ReadMore Bar and Bakery that you have to check out! We’re excited to see you soon and plant happy trees!
THE DETAILS
Date: Friday, April 24th, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: Birdie Books (74 N State St Westerville, OH 43081 )
ADDITIONAL ARBOR ED™ ARTICLES!
