The White Oak tree was planted Friday near the Parks and Recreation office. (WJBC File Photo)

By Andy Dahn

NORMAL – The Town of Normal’s Parks and Recreation Department will plant over 250 trees this spring, and one was planted Friday in observance of Arbor Day. The White Oak tree, which is the official tree of the state of Illinois, was planted at 100 East Phoenix Avenue near the Parks and Recreation office. Town of Normal Horticulturist Bobby Jones said this is no miniature tree.

“It’s a bald and burlap tree,” Jones said. “It’s about two inches in diameter, so it’s roughly seven or eight feet tall. It’s a pretty good sized tree.”

Jones said patience will be key while the tree grows.

“It’s one of those trees that is definitely worth the wait,” said Jones. “A lot of people are wanting the here and the now, the quick growth. But a lot of those great trees are worth the wait, and White Oak is certainly one of them.”

Last month, the Town of Normal received the 2014 Tree City USA designation by the National Arbor Day Foundation, marking the 16th consecutive year the town has earned the recognition.

Andy Dahn can be reached at [email protected].