Replanting Trees in Williamson County: Tennessee Tree Day 2026 and Local Resources
Across Williamson County, piles of tree limbs still line curbs weeks after the recent winter storm. In Brentwood, Franklin, and surrounding neighborhoods, heavy ice brought down branches and, in many cases, entire mature trees. For homeowners, the cleanup has been time-consuming, and for many, it has also been emotional.
Trees in Brentwood and Franklin shape neighborhoods. They provide shade during Tennessee summers and create privacy between homes. They define the look of streets and yards that have grown over the decades.
Now that debris removal is underway, many homeowners are asking the question: What trees should we plant next?
If you are looking at tree planting in Franklin and Williamson County this spring, questions about cost, species selection, and long-term growth are likely part of the conversation. Two important resources can help guide those decisions: one statewide and one specific to Brentwood.
The Impact of the Recent Winter Storm on Williamson County Trees
Winter storms are not unusual in Middle Tennessee, but this year’s ice event left visible damage across Williamson County. Trees that had stood for decades were weakened or split under the weight of ice. Limbs snapped and fell onto roofs, driveways, and sidewalks. In some cases, root systems gave way entirely.
Removing damaged trees is only the first step. Replacing them presents a new set of decisions. Large nursery trees can be expensive, particularly if multiple trees were lost. Planting the wrong species or placing a tree too close to a home can create future problems.
For homeowners focused on replanting trees in Williamson County, a thoughtful approach can help avoid costly mistakes and ensure long-term success. Fortunately, there is an organized opportunity to begin that process this spring.
Tennessee Tree Day 2026: A Practical Way to Replant in Williamson County
When a mature tree comes down, it can be tempting to replace it immediately with another large tree. While that may be the right choice in some situations, starting with smaller native seedlings has several advantages.
First, cost. Replacing multiple large trees can become expensive quickly. Seedlings provide a way to replant without a major upfront investment.
Second, adaptability. Younger trees often establish strong root systems when planted directly into their permanent location. With consistent watering during the first few years, they can grow steadily and naturally.
Third, flexibility. Starting small gives homeowners time to think carefully about placement, spacing, and species selection rather than rushing into a quick replacement.
That’s where Tennessee Tree Day on March 21, 2026, comes in.
In partnership with the Tennessee Division of Forestry and hosted by the Tennessee Environmental Council, Tennessee Tree Day is a statewide effort that helps residents plant native trees in their own yards and communities. The event happens every year, and, for the first time, there will be pick-up sites in all 95 Tennessee counties.
The 2026 Tennessee Tree Day species list includes native trees such as bald cypress, river birch, northern red oak, eastern redbud, and others. These species are well-suited for Middle Tennessee’s climate and soil conditions and support wildlife that depends on native trees.
For residents focused on restoring trees in Williamson County after the storm, seedlings offer an economical and forward-looking option.
How Tennessee Tree Day Works
Participation is simple:
- Reserve native tree seedlings online by March 8, 2026.
- Select a local pickup site.
- Pick up your trees on March 21, 2026. (Extreme weather alternate date: one week later)
- Plant them at home.
In Williamson County, homeowners have two pickup locations to choose from:
- Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary, 545 Beech Creek Rd S, Brentwood, TN 37027
- UT/TSU Extension – Williamson County, 4215 Long Lane, Franklin, TN 37064
Tree seedlings are available for a suggested donation ranging from $3.99 to $4.99 per tree. Tennessee Tree Day is a project of the Tennessee Environmental Council, a nonprofit organization, and these donations help make the statewide event possible.
If making a donation is not feasible, residents may request a scholarship through the Tree Day Scholarship Fund. Additionally, participants may choose to donate $5 to help sponsor a tree for someone else in the community.
All trees must be reserved and paid for online by March 8, 2026. Cash donations are not accepted at pickup sites.
What to Expect at Pickup
The seedlings distributed through Tennessee Tree Day are bare-root trees, typically between 1 and 2 years old. Depending on the species, they may range from one to four feet tall.
Bare-root seedlings are easier to transport and often establish well when planted directly into their permanent location. Although small at pickup, these trees are selected for their ability to thrive in Tennessee’s soil and climate.
In the event of extreme weather, the alternate pickup date will be one week later than the scheduled March 21st distribution.
After planting, consistent watering during the first one to three years is essential to establish strong roots. Tree care tips are available through the Tennessee Tree Day website.
Participants are encouraged to share photos of their newly planted trees in the Tennessee Tree Day Facebook group or by emailing treeday@tectn.org.
Brentwood’s Local Resource for Tree Planting
If you live in Brentwood, there is another important resource available: the Brentwood Approved Tree List.
Brentwood has long emphasized tree preservation and has earned recognition as a Tree City USA community, reflecting its ongoing commitment to urban forestry. That commitment is supported in part by the Brentwood Tree Board, which maintains the city’s approved tree list as part of its work to protect and enhance Brentwood trees and the overall canopy.
The board is made up of local volunteers and city representatives who help guide Brentwood’s tree planning efforts and provide information to residents.
The approved list includes about 110 tree species that are well-suited to Brentwood’s soil, climate, and long-term growth conditions. The list is developed with guidance from the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council, which recommends native species that perform well in this region.
For homeowners replacing trees after the storm, the Brentwood Approved Tree List provides a clear starting point. Rather than guessing what might grow successfully, residents can consult a resource tailored specifically to their community.
While the Approved Tree List is specific to Brentwood, the broader principles of selecting regionally appropriate species apply throughout Williamson County. Additionally, many of the trees offered through Tennessee Tree Day overlap with Brentwood’s recommended species, making it easier to align statewide planting opportunities with local best practices.
Arbor Day in Brentwood
As part of the city’s ongoing commitment to trees and environmental stewardship, Brentwood will host its annual Arbor Day celebration on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 10 am to 12:30 pm at the John P. Holt Brentwood Library.
The 2026 theme, “Celebrating the Roots of Our Nation,” honors the country’s 250th anniversary. The event will feature a poster contest for local elementary and middle school students, a writing contest for local high school students, and an acorn-counting contest where participants guess how many acorns are in a jar.
Like previous celebrations, Brentwood’s Arbor Day will also include environmental vendors, free tree seedlings, free food, and free ice cream, offering an opportunity to connect with local resources and learn more about the community’s focus on tree preservation.
Rebuilding Williamson County’s Tree Canopy
The recent winter storm changed parts of Williamson County’s landscape, and some losses will take years to fully replace. Spring, however, brings an opportunity to begin again.
Through Tennessee Tree Day on March 21, 2026, residents have a statewide chance to plant native trees and take part in strengthening Tennessee’s canopy. Through Brentwood’s Approved Tree List, homeowners have local guidance to help ensure that what they plant is well-suited for this community.
Together, these resources offer a path forward for those looking to replant trees in Franklin, Brentwood, and throughout Williamson County. The storm reshaped the landscape. What residents choose to plant next will shape it again.
