DECATUR - Keep DeKalb Beautiful (KDB), in conjunction with the DeKalb County Extension Service and DeKalb County Parks and Recreation Department (DCPR), hosted a Premiere DeKalb Dogwood tree contest, honoring the county’s native Dogwood, Cornus Florida.  The contest was held in February in honor of Arbor Day.

Citizens of DeKalb submitted Dogwoods for judgment based on the following three measurements: circumference, height, and branch spread.  Mrs. Dianna Harris, of Avondale Estates won the Premiere DeKalb Dogwood tree contest.  Mrs. Harris’ Dogwood tree, submitted by Sally Hall, has a circumference of 75’, height of 32’, and branch spread of 44’.  The Dogwood is approximately 40-years-old.

KDB also held a tree dedication ceremony to preserve one of the counties’ largest live oak trees. The tree is located behind the Tax Commissioners Office at 4380 Memorial Drive and received professional tree care from the Georgia Arborist Association (GAA) and DCPR.

Traditionally, KDB plants trees to celebrate Arbor Day, but due to the current drought restrictions they chose provide greater care and attention for existing trees in the DeKalb County Community.