Gavin Stone | Daily Journal
Ken Coville helps Linda McInnis pick out a Kawanzan Cherry tree at the Hamlet Tree and Beautification Group’s annual free tree giveaway on Friday at Monroe Avenue Elementary School.
McInnis said the tree, which doesn’t produce cherries — just “beautiful” blooms — and is native to east Asia, will go in her yard next to her other Kawanzan Cherry tree. The trees available included dogwoods, almond trees, and apple trees of just about every variety you would find at the grocery store.
The trees are either bought from wholesalers, or provided by the Forestry Service. Sue Furman, treasurer for the group, said they do the tree giveaway to promote a close relationship with trees in the community. The trees are planted and tended to by Monroe Avenue students beginning in the 3rd grade.
They re-pot them in the 4th grade and give them away in the 5th. Anyone interested in picking up a tree can call Furman at 910-582-2275.