National Arbor Day Celebrated with Purple Trumpet Tree

A 25-gallon Handroanthus impetiginosus (Tabebuia impetiginosa), also known as a purple or pink trumpet tree, was planted at Calusa Park on April 24 to honor National Arbor Day, with members of the Marco Island Beautification Advisory Committee BAC) present for the celebration.

According to BAC committee member Mike Cory, this tree is an ideal specimen for street-side planting. It is a stunning, fast-growing ornamental tree often reaching 20-30 feet in height with a canopy width of 10-25 feet. It features vibrant purple-to-rose-pink, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom early in spring. It requires full sun for best blooming and is tolerant of many soil types. In early spring on Marco Island, the purple trumpet tree is often overshadowed in the landscape by its yellow counterpart, Handroanthus chrysotrichus! But both species thrive in our warm climate, and both are popular in landscaping due to their striking colors and adaptability. The common name “trumpet tree” refers to its spectacular trumpet-shaped blooms that appear in early spring and throughout the summer.

Calusa Park is an ideal location for this tree to thrive and bloom. The trumpet tree is on the list of trees developed by the BAC and the Naples Botanical Gardens. In addition, Cory thanked Matt Hubbard, Green Leaf Lawn Management, and Parks and Recreation for their assistance in the placement of the tree.

National Arbor Day is a celebrated observance in the United States dedicated to planting and caring for trees. It is typically observed on the last Friday of April. All 50 States celebrate National Arbor Day by tree planting, educational activities, and community events such as this one.

There is a long history of the celebration of National Arbor Day, which started in 1872 by J. Sterling Morton in Nebraska. In 1972, President Nixon proclaimed the first National Arbor Day. In Florida, Arbor Day is celebrated on the third Friday in January to align with the State’s optimal winter planting season.

Reasons to Celebrate Arbor Days:

• Clean Air & Water: Trees are known to remove pollutants from the air and absorb sediments in the soil.
• Offset Carbon: Trees absorb carbon and convert it to oxygen.
• Reduce Stormwater Runoffs: Trees have been known to cut stormwater runoffs by absorbing excess rain and filtering and storing water in the soil.
• Cooler Cities: Trees lower air temperatures through transpiration.
• Curb Appeal: Trees are beautiful to look at and they make places we live and work feel like home.
• Increase Property values: Having trees in the landscape can increase a home’s value.
• Lower Energy USE: Trees cut residential energy use by an average of 7.2%.
• Therapeutic Value: Studies have shown that spending time in green spaces and around trees can lower stress and anxiety levels.