Trees with a history

I recently learned about a wonderful organization called The American Forest’s Historic Trees program that propagates and sells the offspring of famous trees. So, you not only enhance the environment by planting a beautiful tree, you’re also adding a piece of history to your landscape.

The trees are connected to famous people, places and events. For instance, you could plant a descendent of the famous Angel Oak at Johns Island, South Carolina (above); the Andrew Jackson Southern Magnolia, which was planted at the White House in 1828 in honor of Jackson's late wife, Rachel; a Gettysburg Honey Locust, near where Lincoln made his well-known speech; or even an offshoot of the Lover's Live Oak near the Little Satilla River in Georgia, which is said to be more than 900 years old.

With Earth Day approaching (April 22), it may be worth considering one of these trees for your own home, local school or other organization that is deserving of a lovely tree.