Liberty Tree Planters Can Sign Up on July Fourth

“Mighty oaks from little acorns grow,” says the old adage.

Liberty Trees don’t have to start from a little acorn, though – at least not for Liberty Tree Planters in Fayette County.

“We are looking for 250 people to plant and tend Liberty Trees as we celebrate 250 years of American independence,” says Larry Jackson, general chairman of the Fayette County Semiquincentennial Commission.

Already about 35 trees have been reserved for sponsors for the project, but beginning July the Fourth, applications will be accepted for free trees – first come, first served.

“You just have to promise to plant it in Fayette County and to take care of it,” Jackson said.

The Liberty Tree Committee has been working since January, finding suppliers, raising money and organizing for tree distribution this fall.

“But now the time has come to get our Planters,” Jackson said. “We don’t know if we will be overwhelmed or if we will have to beg people to plant these trees, but either way, we are committed to making a lasting reminder in our county of America’s 250th birthday,” Jackson said.

On Saturday, July Fourth, the Semiquincentennial Commission is sponsoring a celebration on the courthouse lawn, complete with bands, flag ceremonies, patriotic speeches and lots of family fun.

“Starting at 5 p.m., we will open up registration for free Liberty Trees,” Jackson said.

Application forms will be at the Liberty Tree booth. The time and date that each application is received will be recorded and trees will be given out on that basis. If tree kits remain after the July Fourth event, applications will be accepted by email.

“You don’t get just a tree – you get a whole kit,” Jackson explained.

“We want your tree to survive, so you get a 5-gallon tree, fencing to protect the tree from animals, T-posts to hold the fence up, and a big bag of mulch to get your tree going good. But very importantly, you also get a beautiful metal medallion on a metal stake, that you can put right there with your tree.”

About a foot in diameter, the medallions are being manufactured locally and say “Liberty Tree – America 250.”

“We are so grateful to our sponsors, who are making this project possible,” Jackson said. “It’s environmental, it’s educational, and it’s patriotic. We think it hits on all bases. And we can hardly wait to see who all signs up to be Liberty Tree Planters.”

Actual distribution of the Liberty Tree Kits will be on Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Fayette County Recycle Center.

“October is the right time to plant trees, so that’s when we are going to distribute them,” he said.

Applicants can choose from five different tree species – bur oak, live oak, red oak, Monterrey oak or pecan. Monterrey oak is best suited for sandy soil and pecans are best suited for clay soil. The other varieties are not soil specific.

“Come on out to the celebration at the courthouse on July Fourth and sign up for a Liberty Tree,” Jackson said. “These trees are still going to be standing here in Fayette County long after we are all gone. It’s a chance to make history – and to make a better Fayette County.”