On a hot summer day it’s always pleasant to relax under the cool shade of a big leafy tree. And it’s not your imagination—the temperature really is cooler under the tree. The shade and evaporation from trees can reduce surrounding air temperatures by as much as 9° F.

Planting trees is good for the environment because trees help to reduce greenhouse gases, retain topsoil, and conserve water. Additionally, strategic placement of trees and shrubs along the sunny sides of a house will help cool the home, thereby reducing the use of electricity for air conditioning.

In Hawaii, Arbor Day is officially observed on the first Friday in November. Our state has been celebrating the benefits provided by trees since 1905.

This year, environmentally conscious organizations across the state will celebrate Arbor Day with a tree giveaway on Saturday morning, November 5. Participating organizations on the islands of Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii will give away a total of over 7,000 plants.

The mau hao hele - Hawaii's state flower, will be given away on three of the four islands
where tree giveaways will be held.

Certified arborists and volunteers will be on hand at the giveaway sites to offer advice on plant selection, planting, and care.

Proper placement of trees will avoid entanglements with power lines and potential power outages once the trees reach maturity. Trees that will grow taller than 30 feet when mature should not be planted within 30 feet of overhead power lines.

For details on the Arbor Day tree giveaway near you, go to www.ArborDayHawaii.org.