FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 11, 2020
Contact:
John Scott
Urban Forester
Parks and Recreation
479.444.3470
jscott@fayetteville-ar.gov
Annual Tree Giveaway at the Celebration of Trees
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — On Saturday, October 24, at 7:00 a.m. Mayor Lioneld Jordan, the City of Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Department, and the City of Fayetteville Urban Forestry Advisory Board will be giving out FREE trees and shrubs to Fayetteville residents. The 22nd annual tree giveaway, locally recognizing Arbor Day, is held annually to help to grow the city’s urban forest. This year’s event will be held in the Spring Street Parking Garage and will be done in a drive-through manner to help maintain proper social distance. Participants should wear face coverings and be prepared to show proof of their City residency.
The Celebration of Trees is a one-day event, but growing a tree is a sustained endeavor that positively impacts the urban forest in Fayetteville for years into the future. Over the last 21 years, the City has given away over 14,000 trees and shrubs to citizens.
Date: Saturday, October 24
Time: 7:00 a.m. until supplies are exhausted
Location: Spring Street Parking deck on the Spring Street and S. School. Enter the parking deck from Spring Street and you will exit on S. School.
Quantities: Limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Limit (2) plants per adult Fayetteville resident that is present at the event. Remember to bring proof of City residency such as a utility bill.
Trees and shrubs available this year will include:
- Arrowood Viburnum – Viburnum dentatum
- Beauty Berry- Callicarpa americana
- Button Bush- Cephalanthus occidentalis
- Catalpa Tree - Catalpa bignonioides
- Fringe Tree- Chiananthus virginicus
- Inkberry Holly- Ilex galabra
- Paw Paw – Asimina triloba
- Pecan – Carya illinoinesis
- Shingle Oak – Quercus imbricaria
- Willow Oak- Quercus phellos
Questions? Call (479) 444-3486 or (479) 444-3470
The Urban Forestry Advisory Board and Urban Forestry staff stress “Right Tree, Right Place.” Trees can take many years to reach their mature height and spread. Many residential areas in Fayetteville are lacking shade trees near sidewalks and shading on the southern and western sides of homes. Shade trees can provide many benefits such as reducing cooling costs, providing habitat for wildlife, helping with stormwater, and providing beauty to our city. Homeowners need to consider all surroundings when choosing the location for their new tree. To avoid the need for heavy pruning or eventual removal, consider the mature height of the tree and its proximity to overhead power lines. Residents should always contact Arkansas One Call at 811 or (800) 482-8998 before digging.
To learn more about each species regarding characteristics, planting suggestions, and management tips, visit http://www.fayetteville-ar.gov/234/Celebration-of-Trees.
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