9 Arbor Week events happening across Alabama

Reviewed by: Caleb Turrentine

Reading time: 6 minutes

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Climbing into Arbor Week 🌳 (Haley Mautz)

Alabama celebrates Arbor Week a little earlier than most states.

While National Arbor Day is observed on Friday, April 25, 2026, communities across Alabama begin planting in February, thanks to ideal growing conditions.

Throughout Arbor Week, cities host tree giveaways, planting ceremonies and family-friendly events that encourage residents to invest in their local green spaces.

Looking to grab a free tree or join a local celebration? Here’s your guide to Alabama’s Arbor Week 2026 happenings across the state.

What is Arbor Day?

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Tree-covered trails at Jemison Park in Birmingham 🌿 (Katherine Yanes / Bama Buzz)

Arbor Day is a holiday dedicated to planting trees and promoting environmental awareness.

It was first celebrated in Nebraska in 1872 after J. Sterling Morton proposed setting aside a day focused on tree planting. On that first Arbor Day, an estimated 1 million trees were planted.

Today, Arbor Day is observed across the country as a way to encourage conservation, support biodiversity and remind communities of the long-term benefits trees provide.

Auburn

The Auburn-Opelika community is coming together to celebrate Alabama Arbor Week at Auburn University’s Kreher Preserve Nature Center. The event is a collaboration between Auburn University, the AU Davis Arboretum, the City of Auburn and the City of Opelika, highlighting the region’s Tree Campus Higher-Ed and Tree City USA designations.

Families, students and community members can explore the preserve, connect with local tree and forestry experts and participate in hands-on educational activities focused on stewardship and sustainability.

Trussville

The City of Trussville will celebrate Arbor Week with a morning tree giveaway and community activities at the Mall Pavilion. Attendees can pick up bare root and three-gallon native trees while supplies last.

The event will also feature educational materials from the Alabama Forestry Commission, consultations with local tree experts and a ceremonial tree planting with Girl Scouts.

Hoover

The City of Hoover will host its annual community Arbor Day Celebration at Aldridge Gardens, featuring a native species tree giveaway for Hoover residents. The event typically draws hundreds of attendees who can tour the gardens, consult with certified arborists and learn more about the benefits of urban forestry.

Hosted by the Hoover Beautification Board, the celebration helps the city maintain its Tree City USA designation while adding to Hoover’s urban forest.

Dothan

The City of Dothan will celebrate Arbor Week at the Dothan Area Botanical Gardens with a free tree seedling giveaway and guided tree walk. Visitors can explore the gardens, learn more about local tree species and pick up a seedling while supplies last.

  • When: Thursday, February 26, 2026 | 10AM
  • Where: Dothan Area Botanical Gardens, 5130 Headland Ave, Dothan, AL 36303
  • More info

Tuscaloosa

The City of Tuscaloosa will celebrate Arbor Week with a large-scale tree seedling giveaway at the Tuscaloosa River Market. Through partnerships with the Alabama Forestry Commission, The Westervelt Company and Alabama Power, the city will distribute more than 2,000 bare root and containerized seedlings.

Seedlings will be available on a first come, first served basis, and attendees are encouraged to arrive early. Visitors can also learn more about proper tree planting and placement during the event.

Alabaster

Alabaster residents can celebrate Arbor Day with a free tree giveaway at Veterans Park. Households may select one tree on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.

Registration begins at 8AM, with tree distribution starting at 9AM.

  • When: Saturday, March 7, 2026 | Registration at 8AM, distribution at 9AM
  • Where: Veterans Park Maintenance Building, 7305 Hwy 119, Alabaster, AL 35007
  • More info

Foley

Foley will celebrate its 45th annual Arbor Day with a community ceremony and large-scale tree giveaway at the Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermen’s Market. The event will include horticultural advice from local experts, a poster contest display and a ceremonial tribute honoring two longtime public servants.

The city will distribute 720 three-gallon container trees to Foley residents on a first come, first served basis. Varieties include live oak, red maple, magnolia and more.

Bay Minette

The City of Bay Minette will celebrate Alabama Arbor Day with a free tree giveaway for residents. Households may receive up to three trees while supplies last, with a variety of species available including live oak, magnolia, hickory, red maple and more.

Trees will be distributed on a first come, first served basis, and attendees are encouraged to arrive early.

Montevallo

The Montevallo Arbor and Beautification Board will host its 34th annual Arbor Day Celebration at the city’s Recycling Center. As part of the Montevallo Tree City Experience, attendees can pick up free bare root tree seedlings while supplies last.

Available species are expected to include red maple, river birch, dogwood varieties, white oak, bald cypress and more.

How will you be celebrating Arbor Day this year? Let us know by tagging us @thebamabuzz.

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Katherine Yanes
Katherine Yanes
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