A staple annual holiday, Arbor Day is dedicated to acknowledging the value that trees bring into our lives. Their influence is a lot bigger than you might think—the aspen tree is the largest organism in the entire world, with their interconnected colonies of trees growing up to 5 miles long. It’s facts like this that make you want to appreciate the incredible power and beauty of them!

A day to both reflect on the many benefits of trees and take the time to plant them, Arbor Day is particularly special to the Arden family and we take immense pride in celebrating it every year. Keep reading to find out more about it and how you can take part in the celebration. 

Where Did Arbor Day Come From?

Way back in the late 19th century, it became apparent to the pioneers of the Nebraska Territory that the lack of trees in the area was becoming a problem. An absence of trees meant little materials for fuel and building, no shade from the sun, and poor soil for farming. That’s when journalist J. Sterling Morton began forming an idea to create a holiday solely dedicated to planting trees.

Once he became secretary of the territory, he put his plan in action. April 10th, 1872 became the world’s first Arbor Day where an estimated 1 million trees were planted across Nebraska. The idea quickly gained popularity, and soon other states were joining in. By 1920, 45 states and territories were celebrating the day, and children in schools across the country were learning about the importance of trees. 

In 2023, Arbor Day is celebrated nationwide on the last Friday in April. The holiday doesn’t stop there, though–many countries around the world have their own Arbor Days in accordance with their best tree planting weather. In Brazil, Dia da Arvore is on September 21st to coincide with the beginning of spring in the Southern Hemisphere. No matter the date and customs of the day around the world, the same message rings true: trees are our future.



Significance to Arden

If you didn’t already know, the word “arden” is derived from both Latin and Hebrew meaning  “great forest,” and its significance reaches every corner of our community. We connect with the forest by seeing it as more than just a collection of trees, but rather a diverse and inclusive environment where every living organism plays a vital role in sustaining the health of the ecosystem. Just like a tree prospers within the company of others in a forest, we view our residents in the same way. We strive to root residents in communities that are lively, inspiring, and brimming with opportunities for growth and development.

Our community buildings have unique, biophilic influences at every corner, with their interior design mimicking the colors of the trees and sky to more closely connect our residents with nature. We even named all of our floorplans after different trees–Arden at Huntersville, for example, features Birch, Acacia, Cambria, Apple, Cedar, and more!

In celebration of Arbor Day, we like to take an active role in promoting environmental stewardship through trees. For every resident in each of our Arden communities, we will plant one tree through the organization One Tree Planted. Through them, we can help protect wildlife habitats, increase biodiversity, and restore soil stability in the places that need it most. It’s a reflection of the value of nature and a renewal of our commitment to preserving and protecting the environment for future generations. In this way, we can ensure our greater communities remain vibrant and healthy places to live for one and all. 

How Trees Connect Us to Happiness

Apart from the environmental benefits of them, prioritizing trees in your day-to-day life can have significant positive effects on your well-being. According to John Zelenski, PhD, a professor of psychology at Carleton University, nature relatedness is known as the subjective sense of having a relationship with nature. Having a high level of it is often tied to experiencing more positive emotions (even when you’re not in nature!). 

If you’re wondering how nature relatedness is incorporated into your own life, it’s as simple as living near or being in nature, caring about it in the first place, and an “understanding of the close links between people and other parts of nature through evolution and ecosystems.” If you have a strong connection with nature, you’re more likely to report higher levels of well-being from connecting with it, appreciating more meaning from life, and forming strong emotional ties with the Earth that we came from. So, why wouldn’t you want to celebrate trees?

How You Can Celebrate

If you’re looking to participate and raise your level of nature relatedness, there are a variety of ways to get involved.



• Plant a tree! This is by far one of the best ways you can celebrate all that trees give to our world. Here’s a quick guide on how to plant any tree of your choice the right way. 

• Pot an indoor tree. If you’re short on outdoor space, there’s nothing stopping you from bringing nature inside. Try buying a smaller tree for your living room or potting one of your own. We also love starter kits, like this bonsai tree one that teaches you how to plant four different bonsai seed packets and grow them!

• Enjoy the outdoors. There’s nothing better than a stroll through the park or a hike through a forest trail to appreciate the nature around us. Being surrounded by trees, plants, and wildlife can have a calming effect on our minds and bodies, so why not make it a point to connect with all that nature has to offer? 

• Learn more. Did you know the ancient Egyptians used acacia trees for their medicinal properties, or that the bark of a willow tree contains a natural pain reliever that’s been used for centuries? Reading a book about trees or watching a documentary is never a bad idea to learn more about the role they play in both our daily lives and throughout history. One resource is TreePeople, an educational organization dedicated to helping you learn more about trees and how to care for your local environment. They have videos, how-tos, resources, and even live sessions to learn more. Leaf and Limb, a NC-based B Corporation that helps you care for your trees, also offers a variety of articles and informational videos. Check out this video of theirs about the benefits of planting small trees! 

• Make a donation. If you don’t have time to plant a tree, enlist the help of others to plant one for you. The Arbor Day Foundation plants more than 10 million trees each year, and they have no plans of slowing down soon. 

• Volunteer. Participating in a local planting event is a fantastic way to get involved in the community. Of the 165 events happening this year to celebrate, there’s bound to be one nearby. Luckily, the Arbor Day Foundation has created an easy search tool so you can find an event near you. 

For more things to do on Arbor Day, check out this list of 150 things to do to celebrate. Pick a couple of your favorites to enjoy all the beauty that trees have to offer us!

Given the value of trees to us and in our world, we’re proud to celebrate Arbor Day as an organization. To learn more about the essence of our Arden family and all the pro-tips we love to share, visit our blog here.