🌿 A Warm Arbor Day 2026 Greeting From the Ormond Beach Environmental Discovery Center! Thank you for joining us in celebrating Arbor Day 2026 at the Ormond Beach Environmental Discovery Center! We are proud to offer the following plants as part of today’s giveaway:

Chestnut Oak • Thai Dwarf Mulberry • Sweetbay Magnolia

These plants were carefully selected to support wildlife, enhance natural landscapes, and promote environmental stewardship in our community. Please review the planting instructions below to help your plant thrive for many years to come.

Thank you for supporting conservation, protecting Florida’s natural heritage, and helping our community grow greener and stronger!

🌳 Planting Instructions

Chestnut Oak

Scientific Name: Quercus montana
Mature Height: 50–70 feet tall
USDA Zones: 4–8

Planting

• Choose a location with plenty of room for mature growth.
• Dig a hole 2–3 times wider than the root ball, but no deeper than the root ball height.
• Place tree so the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
• Backfill with native soil and gently firm the soil around roots.

Watering

• Water deeply immediately after planting.
• Water once or twice weekly during the first growing season.
• Once established, Chestnut Oak is moderately drought tolerant.

Soil

• Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
• Tolerates rocky or sandy soils once established.

Sun Requirements

• Full Sun (6+ hours daily) is best for strong growth.

Fertilizer

• Apply a slow-release tree fertilizer in early spring if needed.
• Avoid over-fertilizing young trees.

Pruning

• Prune in late winter to remove damaged or crossing branches.
• Minimal pruning required once established.

Additional Info

• Produces acorns that provide food for birds and wildlife.
• A long-lived native tree that adds strength and beauty to landscapes.
• Excellent for shade and habitat restoration.

Thai Dwarf Mulberry

Scientific Name: Morus alba var. macroura

Mature Height: 8–12 feet tall
USDA Zones: 8–10

Planting

• Plant in a sunny location with room to spread.
• Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
• Plant at the same depth as in the nursery container.

Watering

• Water regularly during the first year.
• Keep soil moist but not soggy.
• Once established, moderately drought tolerant.

Soil

• Adapts to a variety of soils.
• Prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soil.

Sun Requirements

• Full Sun produces the best fruit yield.

Fertilizer

• Use a balanced fertilizer in early spring.
• Compost or organic matter helps support fruit production.

Pruning

• Prune annually to control size and encourage branching.
• Remove dead or overcrowded growth.

Additional Info

• Produces sweet berries enjoyed by birds and people.
• Great for small yards, edible landscapes, or container growing.
• Attracts pollinators and supports backyard wildlife.

Sweetbay Magnolia

Scientific Name: Magnolia virginiana
Mature Height: 20–40 feet tall
USDA Zones: 5–10

Planting

• Choose a location with adequate moisture and space.
• Dig a hole 2–3 times wider than the root ball.
• Plant level with surrounding soil.

Watering

• Water regularly during establishment.
• Prefers consistent moisture but tolerates brief dry periods once established.

Soil

• Thrives in moist, acidic, well-drained soil.
• Tolerates wet soils better than many trees.

Sun Requirements

• Full Sun to Partial Shade.

Fertilizer

• Apply a slow-release fertilizer in early spring if needed.
• Organic mulch helps retain moisture.

Pruning

• Minimal pruning required.
• Remove dead or damaged branches as needed.

Additional Info

• Produces fragrant white flowers that attract pollinators.
• Provides shelter and food for birds and beneficial insects.
• A beautiful native tree suited to Florida landscapes.

🌱 Planting Success Tips for Arbor Day Trees

• Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the base of the plant, keeping mulch away from the trunk.
• Water deeply during dry periods, especially during the first year.
• Avoid planting too deep—this is one of the most common causes of plant failure.
• Monitor for pests or disease during early growth.

Need additional plants and support? Visit us today at Flowingwelltreefarm.com