WAKE FOREST, NC – The Town of Wake Forest is celebrating Arbor Day this year by again offering a contest for tree lovers across our community. From now through Tuesday, March 31, the Town is accepting nominations for the Wake Forest 2026 Tree of the Year award.
Trees may be nominated for their size, species, historic significance, personal meaning, community benefit, or general notoriety – but they must be located within the Wake Forest town limits.
To submit your choice, visit http://bit.ly/WFTreeofYear, complete the nomination form and upload a photo of your tree. Finalists will be selected by Town staff, then voted on by the community during the week of April 6.
The tree that receives the most votes will be announced as the winner during Forest Fest on Saturday, April 18. The person who submits the winning tree will receive a certificate crowning their tree as the Wake Forest 2026 Tree of the Year.
Previous “Tree of the Year” winners were a “Japanese Weeping Cherry” in 2024, the “Live Oaks Oak” in 2023, and a towering willow oak tree nicknamed “Broccolini” in 2021. The Japanese Weeping Cherry is situated along West Sycamore Avenue, the Live Oaks Oak is located within the Whistable Avenue roundabout, just off Wall Road, while Broccolini is situated on the Brooks Street side of the Wake Forest Center for Active Aging, 235 E. Holding Ave. Please Note: The Tree of the Year contest is now offered in even years only.
For more information, visit http://bit.ly/WFTreeofYear or email Urban Forestry Program Manager Luke Devores at ldevores@wakeforestnc.gov.