The Valdosta Tree Commission has announced its annual tree sale early to encourage citizens to plant trees in honor of the City of Valdosta’s designation as a Tree City USA and to replant trees and shrubs lost during the recent tropical storm. While this is the sixth year that the Commission has offered trees at wholesale prices, this will be the first time a few select shrubs are being added. This year the tree selected is the Longleaf Pine along with Tea Olives and Encore Azaleas.

Longleaf Pines are native to the southeast and can live hundreds of years. While once an abundant tree, this tree is now a major conservation priority. Many fast growing pines become brittle and break during storms. Longleaf pines, while a little slower growing, are more resilient.

Many residents in Valdosta have small lots that cannot accommodate a large tree, so Tea Olives and Encore Azaleas are great options. Tea Olives have fragrant blooms and can be considered a large shrub or small specimen tree suited to small lots or homes.

Azaleas are a Valdosta staple, and as the Azalea City, they are a natural choice for the sale. Encore Azaleas are a re‐blooming azalea that is considered extremely hardy and many varieties stay on the smaller side. For this sale we are offering three color selections: Autumn Debutante, which is pink, Autumn Lily, which is white, and Autumn Sweetheart, which is light pink.

“With the recent storms many Valdosta residents lost trees and this sale will help to provide quality trees and shrubs to replant in their landscapes at wholesale prices. We felt that having the sale a little early will help with the cleanup and rebuilding efforts around the city,” said Valdosta Tree Commission member Monica Haynes.

Each of the options offered during the annual tree sale are wholesale price and the Valdosta Tree Commission does not make any profit. This event is simply a way for the community to have access to affordable trees and shrubs. Quantities are limited, so it is suggested you send in your order soon.  Longleaf pines will be offered in three gallon grassy stage for $6.00, seven gallon for $17.00 and ten gallon for $24.00. Tea Olives will be offered in three gallon containers for $9.95 and the Encore Azalea varieties listed above will be in two gallon containers for $9.25. For additional information, please call Amy Hall, 229‐561‐5173 or Monica Haynes at 229‐412‐2585.

Checks should be made payable to the Valdosta Tree Commission and postmarked by November 4th to Amy Hall, c/o Valdosta Tree Commission, PO Box 1125, Valdosta, GA 31603. Please include your phone number and what you would like to order with your check. Purchased trees may be picked up at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Horticulture Program Greenhouses, 4089 Val Tech Road, Valdosta, GA 31602, on Saturday, November 12th, 2016 from 9:00am‐12:00pm.