Home & Garden

For Arbor Day, a Tree Planting 5 Years in the Making

One tiny tree's short story of survival, and an open invitation to tell us what your favorite tree is.

She survived the cold, salty flood waters of Hurricane Irene. The occasional accidental whip from the dog's runner — including one time that left her with a broken little limb. And she made it through transport to three different temporary homes.

"She" is a dogwood sapling that was among 10 I received for joining the Arbor Day Foundation (Yep, 10 trees for 10 bucks!).

That was five years ago, almost to the day. And she's been in a small pot since then, growing slowly but surely.

Today, as many communities across the United States hold celebrations to mark Arbor Day, my little baby will finally be placed in her permanent home. With help from my 2-year-old son, I will plant her in our yard in Sandy Hook, the Connecticut town where my wife and I laid down roots last year with the purchase of our first home.

I am still amazed that my little dogwood has made it this far. It's truly a testament to the resiliency of trees, and nature in general. There's probably some deep message inherent in that reality, but I'll leave that to you to think about rather than getting all philosophical here.

Today is all about celebrating trees! And I love them, all of them. But my favorite is the weeping willow, followed closely behind by the white birch.

What's your favorite tree? And how are you celebrating Arbor Day?

Share your answers in the comments, and if you have a pic of your favorite tree, post it to the Town Square community bulletin board, in the "Conversations" section of your local Patch.


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