CULLMAN, Ala. – Ahead of the Cullman County Natural Resources Planning Committee’s highly anticipated Native Tree Sale Feb. 21, the North Alabama Agriplex recently hosted a Lunch and Learn event that offered attendees guidance on selecting, planting and caring for native trees and shrubs.
Agriplex Executive Director Rachel Dawsey said the topic has become increasingly important as development continues to reduce tree cover across the region.
“We’ve done this for several years because the tree sale is very popular, and a lot of people want to know what they’re growing,” Dawsey said. “Over the years, we’ve offered more and more native plants, and many people don’t recognize them or understand their value.”
Dawsey said many of the native species available at the tree sale serve as host plants for butterflies and other pollinators, including shrubs and trees that support caterpillars.
“A lot of our pollinators have seen a serious decline,” she said. “Some species rely almost entirely on specific native plants. They’re not going to survive on tropical or non-native plants brought in from other regions.”
In addition to supporting wildlife, Dawsey said, native plants are better suited to north Alabama’s climate, requiring less water, energy and maintenance than non-native options.
“They’re adapted to our environment,” she said. “You don’t have to irrigate them constantly, bring them inside during winter or protect them from conditions they’re already used to. That means less water, less energy and fewer resources overall.”
Attendees also received information on which species will be available at the upcoming tree sale, how to properly plant them and how to care for seedlings after purchase.
“A lot of people see a bare-root seedling and think it’s just a twig. There’s some care involved, especially in the first 24 hours,” said Dawsey. “We wanted to make sure people leave knowing how to give these trees the best chance to survive.”
She emphasized the long-term investment trees represent, saying fruit-bearing native species such as persimmon trees can take several years to produce. “It’s only $3 to get a tree, but it might take several years before you see your first fruit. That’s why it’s important to start now.”
The sale will feature 12-inch bare-root native seedlings priced at $3 each and will be first-come, first-served.
The Native Tree Sale will take place Saturday, Feb. 21, at the North Alabama Agriplex. The sale will run from 9 a.m.-noon, or until inventory is sold out. Dawsey advised that the trees often sell out quickly, so it is recommended to arrive early. The North Alabama Agriplex is located at 1714 Tally Ho St. SW, Cullman.
For more information or to view the recorded presentation, visit www.facebook.com/NorthAlabamaAgriplex.
