Martin Tree Board

03/21/2026

52 weeks of trees episode 4

Red Maple

Scientific name: Acer rubrum.

Red maple is a native species throughout the eastern US including west Tennessee and frequently grown as shade tree. The trees name refers to the deep red blooms that emerge in spring which provide nectar to early foraging bees. Fall color can range from dull yellow-green to deep scarlet red mature size can range between 40 feet to 60 feet or more with an average life span under cultivation of around 75 years.

Red Maple can be seen at Harmon Field park, the Martin Recreational Complex, and along the Brian Brown Memorial Greenway.

03/12/2026

52 weeks of trees episode 3.

This week we highlight Eastern Redbud

Scientific name Cercis canadensis

Eastern redbud is a medium sized tree maturing to 25-30 feet tall. Native to west Tennessee. In spring small lavender pink blooms fill the branches which provide nectar to early foraging bees. In winter seed pods resembling pea pods persist on the trees. Flaky bark is grey and exposed underlaying bark is cinnamon brown.

Tolerant of poor soils and can actually improve soil fertility by fixating nitrogen. Prefers well drained soils and dryer conditions. Average life span under cultivation 30-35 years but can live much longer in ideal conditions.

Eastern Redbud can be seen at the Martin Recreation Complex near the flag poles, at the Harrison Road Complex, and on Lindel Street in front of the old library.

02/28/2026

52 weeks of trees week 2

The tree of the week is Corkscrew Willow.

Scientific name: Salix Matsudana ‘Tortuosa’

Corkscrew Willow is a cultivar of Hankow Willow, a species native to northwestern China.
Best known for its contorted branches which provides sculptural interest and an economically important species used in the florist industry. A mid sized tree rapidly growing to 30 feet. Average lifespan of 25-30 years. Preforms moist areas but has good drought tolerance.

Corkscrew Willow can be seen at the Martin Recreational Complex between the walking trail and the “duck pond” lake on north side of lake.

02/20/2026

Starting off a series of 52 weeks of trees in Martin public spaces. Will be doing a species profile of 52 trees over the next year.

We will kick this off with Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus). Eastern White Pine is a large growing tree with potential of reaching 100 feet tall but often shorter under cultivation. Native to the northern and eastern US and native to eastern Tennessee Identified by soft needles in bundles of 5, new growth produces whorls of 5 branches that radiate from the main limbs and trunk, and elongated cones often with white resins.

Eastern White Pine prefers well drained soils and is intolerant of hardpan clay and wet soils.

Eastern White Pine can be seen along the greenway behind the farmers market, in Virginia Weldon Park, and at the Martin Recreation Complex.

11/16/2025

On November 11 the Martin Tree Board held its annual Veterans Day / Martin Arbor Day tree planting. This year a southern magnolia was planted at the Martin Recreation Complex near the dog park. This tree is dedicated to all who have served.

10/29/2024

The IUCN Red List released their updated Global Tree Assessment today. 38% of the world’s tree species are now red listed as threatened of extinction.

The impacts of disease and insects on tree species can be seen locally right here in west Tennessee.

A recent flare up of Elm Yellows and Dutch Elm Disease is hitting multiple species of elm Can see the impact on US 45 heading south out of Martin especially near Bradford

Emerald Ash Bore has now arrived in in West Tennessee. There are numerous ash in decline right here in Martin and its impact is very evident as you drive through Milan.

Laurel Wilt is killing off all Sassafrass trees and has now entered NW Tennessee. Two locations to view the kill off locally is behind the Dollar General in South Fulton and the grove of Sassafrass just east of the school in Troy.

https://www.bgci.org/news-events/iucn-red-list-update-2024/ #:~:text=Cali%2C%20Colombia%2C%2028%20October%202024,Red%20List%20of%20Threatened%20Species.

The majority of the world's trees have been listed on the IUCN Red List for the first time, revealing that at least 16,425 of the 47,282 species assessed are at risk of extinction.

06/14/2024

05/24/2024

Do you know of a tree that played a significant role in history or as the landmark of a community? Help us recognize these special trees by submitting your nomination for our landmark, historic, and heritage tree registry.

Submit your nomination by June 30, 2024 at:
https://form.jotform.com/230316402127139

03/15/2024

03/01/2024

Happy TN Arbor Day!!

02/28/2024

Research shows that larger tree canopies at schools are correlated to better student outcomes, including...

🌳 Higher reading test scores

🌳 More student engagement and less distraction

🌳 Reduced absenteeism

🌳 Improved academic performance, including in socio-economically challenged schools

In addition, experiences in gardens correlated to positive science outcomes, and natural learning environments were linked to richer language use.

02/21/2024

Did you know that planting native trees and shrubs can prevent ? Native trees and shrubs stabilize stream banks by keeping the soil in place. Their roots keep soil together and prevent from carrying sediment to .