Tree Planting 101
Grow With Us This Spring: Tree Planting 101 + Native Plant Sale at UCC Tryon!
Spring is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate new life and stewardship of creation than by learning how to plant, care for, and appreciate trees? This season, The Congregational Church, UCC in Tryon is proud to host two meaningful community events focused on ecological health, sustainable gardening, and connection with our natural world.
Tree Planting 101: Steps to Set Your Trees Up for Success
A presentation by Jason Llano of Optimal Arboriculture.
Saturday, March 14
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Fellowship Hall — The Congregational Church, UCC in Tryon
201 Melrose Ave., Tryon, NC 28782
Whether you’re a first-time tree planter or a seasoned gardener looking to refine your skills, this talk is for you. Join us for an engaging and educational presentation all about proper tree planting, from choosing the right site and preparing soil to planting depth, mulching, watering, and early care. The session includes both indoor instruction and an outdoor demonstration on the church grounds — so dress for the weather and bring your curiosity.
This free event is open to all, and it’s the perfect chance to deepen your understanding of trees — essential allies in cooling our neighborhoods, improving air and water quality, and nurturing wildlife habitat.
Spring Native Plant Sale
Saturday, April 11
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Church Parking Lot — The Congregational Church, UCC in Tryon
After gaining great planting insights in March, keep the momentum going at our Annual Spring Native Plant Sale. Hosted by the Gardening for Life Project in partnership with the church, this celebration of native flora is a highlight of the season.
Special Vendor Feature:
Meet Jason Llano of Optimal Arboriculture, a Board-Certified Master Arborist bringing his expertise to the community as a plant sale vendor. Jason and his team focus on tree health, soil care, native species, and fostering thriving ecosystems throughout Western North Carolina and beyond.
He’ll be on site offering:
A curated selection of trees and native plants suited for our region
Tips and tricks for planting, mulching, watering, and long-term care
Conversations about tree health and ecological resilience
This event also features an array of wonderful native plant vendors and community partners — from specialty growers to conservation groups — all coming together to support sustainable landscapes and biodiversity in our region.
Why These Events Matter
Trees and native plants do more than beautify our yards — they anchor ecosystems, provide food and shelter for wildlife, stabilize soil, and help mitigate climate impacts. Learning to plant them well and choosing species adapted to our local environment strengthens not just gardens, but the whole community.
Whether you attend one event or both, you’ll leave inspired and equipped to make a positive environmental impact right here in the Foothills.
Learn more about the tree talk and sign up for updates on upcoming events at the church’s calendar: ucctryon.org/events/
Discover the Gardening for Life Project and native planting resources: gardeningforlifeproject.org.
We can’t wait to see you there — let’s grow together.