Leeds Announces 2022 Tree Seedling Give-Away with Alabama Forestry Commission | The City of Leeds Tree Commission, Jefferson County Conservation District, and the Alabama Forestry Commission announce the Jefferson County 2022 Tree Seedling Give-Away scheduled for Saturday, February 26, 2022 at The Outlet Shops of Grand River. Each year, the Alabama Forestry Commission, in partnership local Conservation Districts plans a tree give-away event across the state for citizens to have access to seedlings. The tree distribution is in celebration of Arbor Week that will be observed February 20-26 in an effort to encourage tree planting. “We chose Leeds for the Jefferson County give-away this year since Leeds is a Tree City. This is one of the programs we promote in Alabama,” says Katie Wiswall. Katie is a Certified Arborist and one of the two Urban Foresters in the state with the Commission.

2022 Tree Seedling Give-Away

The trees given away will be small bare root seedlings approximately 18-24” long. The specific tree inventory has not been finalized, but there will be seedlings such as redbud, dogwood and white oak. They will be easy to plant and each recipient will receive an educational handout containing information about the tree, tree characteristics such as what it will look like, where to plant and how to take care of it.

The give-away is aimed at residents of Jefferson; although, anyone that happens to be shopping at the mall during that time can pick up a tree. This event is scheduled from noon until 2:30 p.m. or until all seedlings have been distributed on a first-come, first serve basis. There are limits, however, to how many trees each citizen can receive. Plans are to set up near the fountain at The Shops, weather permitting, with a rain location under the Atrium near the food court.

This event is made possible by the Jefferson County Conservation District, the Alabama Forestry Commission, the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, The Outlet Shops of Grand River and the Tree Commission for the City of Leeds. Leeds Tree Commission has been in existence since 1984 and is committed to planting and preserving trees, management of trees on public property, overseeing mass cuttings of trees within the city limits of Leeds and working with Alabama Forestry Commission. Its members include Eddie Cook – Chairman, Linda Miller, Susan Carswell, Lisa Herren and Sue Jones – Emeritus Member.

The Outlet Shops of Grand River is Alabama’s favorite outlet destination where customers can come to shop and stay to play. Located in historic Leeds, AL off I-20 at Exit 140, the center is centrally for Jefferson and St. Clair residents to pick up their trees at 6200 Grand River Boulevard East.
For more information about this event or The Outlet Shops of Grand River, please visit www.shopsofgrandriver.com.