Heritage elm trees planted at schools

Celebrating the value of trees in an urban environment was the focus of Ironton’s third annual Arbor Day.

At the Lawrence County Courthouse two Cleveland pear trees were planted on the corner of Fourth Street and Park Avenue.

“These trees were planted by the county commission,” Carol Allen, of Ironton In Bloom, said. “We are thankful of their support this year and we will ask for more support next year. Any way we can promote this with our citizens we want to.”

Ironton Mayor Katrina Keith spoke about how trees help the environment.

“The importance of trees for the community is they produce oxygen, reduce carbon dioxide and collect runoff water,” Keith said. “It is beneficial to the city of Ironton. Yes, it is beautiful and home to wildlife. I hope we don’t take trees lightly.”

Trees were also planted at Third and Vernon streets sponsored by Ironton In Bloom; Ironton Middle school sponsored by Lawrence-Scioto County Citizens Advisory Board and at Ironton High School by Ironton aLive.

At the middle and high schools, elm trees were planted as heritage trees that should still be alive generations after these students graduate.