The old adage that “the best things in life are free” certainly took root with the Pike County Chapter of the Alabama TREASURE Forest Association.

From 8:30 until 10:30 a.m. Friday, the association, in partnership with other local environmental groups, will offer bare-root saplings free to the public at the Gazebo on the square in downtown Troy.

Carol Dorrill, Pike County TREASURE Forest president, said about 400 bare-root trees will be available.

“We will have a wide variety of trees including different kinds of oaks. Some of fruit and acorn trees will be specifically for wildlife,” she said.

Dorrill said the bare-root saplings will be ready to plant.

“The recommendation is that the saplings be placed in small pots and kept watered over the summer so they can establish a good root system. When the trees go into the dormant stage, they will be ready to plant and will have a good chance of surviving.”

Dorrill said no limit will be placed on the number of trees that an individual may select. However, three to five of each kind would be a good gauge.

The tree giveaway is an annual offering through the Pike County Chapter of the Alabama TREASURE Forest Association and is made possible by a tree donation from The Wildlife Group from Tuskegee.

“The Wildlife Group has been very generous in its giving and we greatly appreciate their support,” Dorrill said. “This is our 20th year to give away trees to the public and we hope to give away every tree that has been donated. The City of Brundidge has asked for 25 trees to be planted in their city and Troy has shown an interest.”

Dorrill said trees are important to everyone and the Alabama TREASURE Forest Association encourages individuals and communities to plant trees.

Trees contribute to the environment by providing oxygen, improving air quality, climate amelioration, conserving water, preserving soil, and supporting wildlife. Trees take in carbon dioxide and produce the oxygen we breathe, she said.

Friday’s tree giveaway is also sponsored by The Wildlife Group, Pike County Soil and Water and the Pike County Farm-City Committee.