Locals are encouraged to embrace their inner green thumb for National Tree Day and join the country’s biggest nature care initiative on Sunday July 31.

National Tree Day aims to do something good for the environment and benefit from positive health and wellbeing outcomes. 

Mount Isa Home and Garden Centre owners Merlin and Cathy Manners said they had plenty of stock for locals.

“Everyday is tree day, all they require is water and a little bit of tender, love and care,” Mrs Manners said.

“We encourage everyone to plant the right tree in the right place. They provide shade for children to play under and some also provide fruit.

“There is a huge list of trees that grow well in Mount Isa some include Jacarandas, Lilly Pilly, Bottlebrush and many Australian natives.”

Mrs Manners said if any locals are unsure of what plants to add to their garden, Mount Isa Home and Garden Centre can provide information.

“We can test their soil to see if it is alkaline and advising on how much water the plant needs, what Fertiliser the plant requires, where to plant it and how to prune it.”

National Tree Day manager, ​Debbie Agnew, said this year’s National Tree Day theme Grow More – Just Add Nature, highlights how we could use the power of nature to help individuals reach their full potential in all aspects of life.

“National Tree Day aims for everyone to take 10 minutes each day outside and connect with nature. Participating in a National Tree Day activity in your community, workplace, school or backyard is a great way to reconnect with the world around us,” Ms Agnew said.

Last year nearly 300,000 people took part at over 3,500 sites across the country, planting more than 1.2 million native trees, shrubs and edibles and helping to green urban areas.

To find out more call the National Tree Day hotline on 1300 88 5000 or visit treeday.planetark.org to take part and register in this year’s National Tree Day.