Grassroots group Trees Union urges county support to expand tree canopy

Meredith Marr, co-founder of Trees Union, told the Union County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 3 that her group seeks county support to expand the county’s tree canopy as development continues. Trees Union, founded in 2023, partners with the county’s urban forestry program and with Union County Public Schools to plant trees at schools and public spaces, Marr said.

The group has already planted 36 trees at elementary schools and added shade trees along a portion of the Monroe Greenway, Marr said. Trees Union’s 2026 goals include planting 200 trees at Union County public schools, distributing 1,000 seedlings at community events and providing 200 trees to neighborhoods with below-average canopy coverage.

The organization told commissioners it aims to prioritize native and diverse species and to work with county urban forestry and parks staff so plantings are maintained and holes are dug by county crews when appropriate. Marr said Trees Union can keep more than 97% of donations directed to planting and distribution because it leverages volunteers and partnerships.

Commissioners asked about typical planting sizes and species; Marr and John Thomason, the group’s coordinator for volunteer plantings, said school plantings target 15-gallon trees while giveaways will use 7-gallon stock and seedlings. They said native options under consideration include redbud, red maple and various oaks.

The group requested the opportunity to return with updates; Chairwoman Merrill thanked them and invited future progress reports.

Trees Union’s appearance was made during the meeting’s public comment period and did not include a formal action by the board.