Keep Denton Beautiful (KDB) hosted its 24th Annual Community Tree Giveaway on Saturday, Oct. 22. At the drive-thru event, 700 trees were distributed to Denton residents to plant at their homes. More than 50 volunteers and staff members worked together to send 600+ vehicles through event within four hours. The Community Tree Giveaway is KDB’s largest and longest-running tree distribution effort offering more than 20,000 free trees to residents since the first giveaway in 1999.
Seven different drought-tolerant, and native (or well-adapted) tree species were distributed: Brandywine Maple, Loblolly Pine, Mexican Sycamore, Purpleblow Maple, Roughleaf Dogwood, Sweetgum, and Texas Redbud. The trees are selected each winter by KDB staff and the City’s Urban Forester, prioritizing tree species that are suited for Denton’s soils and climate. Two to three understory (or smaller) trees are always included in the lineup to allow residents with limited yard space to participate. Staff try their best to include the Texas Redbud when possible as Denton is the Redbud Capital of Texas (yes, really!). The remaining trees are a mix of mid-sized to large trees that help to mitigate our urban forest. This year, Denton Municipal Electric sponsored half of the trees to support their efforts as a certified Tree Line USA, a national program offered by Arbor Day Foundation to protect and enhance the urban forest. This year, the City of Denton celebrated its 31st year as a Tree City USA.
Planting new trees enhance Denton's urban canopy and help our city thrive! Trees are vital for sustainable community growth, economic vitality, and public health. Denton needs new trees to increase property values, boost consumer spending, encourage outdoor physical activity, beautify neighborhoods and public spaces, and lower energy consumption of homes and businesses. Learn more about the Tree Giveaway at www.kdb.org.
Missed this year’s giveaway? There are more opportunities to get trees through the Tree Rebate Program and at the Denton Redbud Festival this spring.