HIAWASSEE, Ga. – It won’t be much longer before warmer weather arrives in the mountains of southern Appalachia, and the hills will spring to life once more. Hiawassee is recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA, and residents can join in the effort, thanks to an incentive by the conservational and educational non-profit.

The Arbor Day Foundation is offering 10 free flowering trees to members who join the organization during the month of January. For a $10 contribution, new members can choose between five crape myrtles or a combination of two Sargent crabapples, three American redbuds, two Washington hawthorns, and three white flowering dogwoods.

“These stunning trees will beautify your home with lovely flowers of pink, yellow, and white colors,” said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation, “These trees are perfect for large and small spaces.”

The 6-to-12 inch trees will be shipped at the ideal time for planting, between Feb. 1 and May 31, postage paid with instructions on care. The trees are guaranteed to grow or the Foundation will replace them, free of charge.

Members will also receive a bimonthly publication of ‘Arbor Day’ and ‘The Tree Book’ which includes information on tree planting and upkeep.

To become a member of the Arbor Day Foundation and receive free trees, mail a $10 contribution by Jan. 31 to: Ten Flowering Trees, Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City,  NE 68410

Residents can also join online at arborday.org/January

Feature Photo: Flowering Sargent crabapple tree