Branching Out: Edmond Farmers Market Offers Free Trees and More

Edmond residents can take home a free tree or sign up to volunteer at the city’s annual tree distribution event, hosted by the Urban Forestry Department Oct. 4, at the Edmond Farmers Market.

The giveaway begins at 8 a.m. at 26 W. First St., and will continue until noon or until supplies run out. A total of 275 three-gallon trees will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, limited to one tree per household. Residents must present a current Edmond utility bill to receive a tree.

Available species include northern red oak, lacey oak, black gum, desert willow, wax myrtle, Bracken’s Brown Beauty magnolia, and a limited number of American sycamores. City officials urge participants to consider the mature size of each species before planting, and to be mindful of overhead and underground utilities that could create future conflicts.

More information about tree planning is available here.

Volunteers are needed to help facilitate the event, which will involve assisting residents as they pick up their trees. Duties include lifting and carrying containerized trees from staging areas, verbally communicating with recipients, and walking or standing on paved surfaces. Organizers note that a variety of roles are available, allowing volunteers to choose tasks they are most comfortable with.

Volunteers are asked to wear closed-toed shoes, comfortable clothing, and sun protection. Nitrile work gloves and water will be provided.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,  tree planting is more than just an aesthetic improvement; it provides measurable environmental and health benefits.

Urban forests can reduce temperatures by an average of 3 degrees Fahrenheit compared to non-green areas, helping to cool neighborhoods and lessen the effects of heat waves.

Trees also improve air quality by capturing pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and ozone on their leaves. Roadside vegetation can reduce pollution levels by up to 30 percent in nearby areas. In addition, shading from trees can cut building energy use by up to 10 percent, lowering greenhouse gas emissions linked to fossil fuel power generation.

Beyond environmental advantages, researchers have found that tree cover supports public health by lowering risks of heat stroke, reducing stress, and even correlating with fewer heat-related deaths in major cities. Tree planting also strengthens wildlife habitats, provides food for pollinators and birds, and contributes to higher property values.

The tree distribution is free for Edmond residents and open until supplies are gone. For more information about the program or to sign up as a volunteer, visit www.EdmondOK.gov/trees.