Winners of 2012 Arbor Day Tree Planting Competition announced

More than 100 volunteers came out Feb. 11 for the 2012 Arbor Day Tree Planting Competition to plant 1,300 trees at the Stormwater Detention Basin site near West Sam Houston Parkway, and the winners have been announced.

BIO Landscape and Maintenance Inc. won the event when they planted 100 trees in just 20 minutes.

In addition, Kirskey Architecture achieved first place in the amateur category, and Houston Community College Team 3 and Team 1 took home second and third place, respectively.

Memorial Outreach Bunch Red Team took home first place in the youth category, and Memorial Outreach Bunch Blue Team achieved second place.

Winners will go on to the state level to compete in the Texas Urban Forestry Council's event, and winners will be announced during the state Arbor Day ceremonies on April 27.

The purpose of these events is to educate the public about proper tree planting and how to care for them. All planted trees will be cared for by the Flood Control District of Harris County. This organization plants more than 20,000 trees a year for the beautification of bayous and creeks but also to reduce erosion in drainage areas, according to a press release.

To learn more about the Harris County Flood Control District, visit hcfcd.org.