The City of Gulf Shores celebrates being named a Tree City with its 38th Annual Arbor Day Celebration, presented by the Gulf Shores Beautification Board. Over the years the City has adopted tree regulations to protect historical trees and vegetation areas within the city limits. They have also educated property owners and potential developers of the trees' benefit to the community.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, February 15, at the Erie H. Meyer Civic Center, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., or until all trees have been distributed.

Residents of each household that reside within the Gulf Shores corporate limits may select four different trees from six different varieties:

• Acer Rubrum (Red Maple)
• Asimina Trilobe (Pawpaw)
• Calycanthus Floridus (Sweetshrub)
• Fraxinus Pennsylvanic (Green Ash)
• Pistacia Chinensis (Chinese Pistache)
• Prunus Serotine (Wild Black Cherry)
• Quercus Lyrate (Overcup Oak)

To receive the trees, residents must show proof of residency. The city's tree experts, including City Arborist Chuck Owens and the Gulf Shores Landscape Division team, will be on hand to share planting tips and answer questions. Each tree comes in a ready-to-plant one-gallon container, and residents will receive detailed care guides to ensure their new trees thrive. In addition to the trees listed above, there will also be 100 hardwood trees in 3 gallon containers for residents to select from.

As an added incentive, 24 lucky attendees will receive a free specialty fruit tree.

Trees can benefit cities in many ways, including:



• Air quality: Trees reduce harmful pollutants and improve air quality. 
• Climate: Trees can reduce the risk of heat-related illness and death, and reduce the amount of energy needed to cool buildings. 
• Water management: Trees can help control stormwater runoff and reduce soil erosion. 
• Noise reduction: Trees can reduce noise pollution. 
• Wildlife habitat: Trees provide food and shelter for many species, including birds, bats, insects, and other plants. 
• Economic stability: Trees can attract businesses and tourists, and increase property values. 
• Mental health: Trees can improve mental health by reducing stress and anxiety. 
• Recreation: Trees can provide opportunities for recreation in public and private spaces. 
• Carbon storage: Trees can sequester carbon from the atmosphere. 
• Storm protection: Trees can help protect against storms. 
• Soil preservation: Trees can help preserve soil.