A Roswell arborist with a knack for using a specialized knife to care for trees will headline Oxford’s Arbor Day celebration on Feb. 16 at the Oxford City Hall and adjacent park.

Certified arborist Rob Swanson of Specimen Tree Inc. will demonstrate how he uses a Super Sonic Air-Knife when relieving tree roots from compacted soil and soil piled too high on trunks. Such conditions often result from heavy vehicular or foot traffic and bad planting practices. The knife is also used to dig planting holes.

According to a press release from LaTrelle Oliver, secretary for Oxford’s Trees, Parks and Recreation Board, the air knife is "really cool" and has to be seen in action to be believed. Oxford has participated in the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA program for 14 years.

Also featured during the celebration will be performances by the Cousins Middle School band, choral and language-arts ensembles. Seedlings, prizes and free refreshments will be available.

In addition, Newborn is having its own Arbor Day celebration on Feb. 23, with Smokey the Bear expected to make a guest appearance. Arbor Equity will sponsor a tree-climbing competition, and seedlings will be provided by Covington Service Guild and the town of Newborn. Lunch will be provided by Blackwell Grocery.

Arbor Day is a time for U.S. residents to celebrate the monetary, physical and aesthetic value of trees in their lives.