Free Tree Distribution Scheduled for May 1

Published on April 27, 2021

The public is invited to the free May Day Tree Giveaway at 9 a.m., Saturday, May 1 in the parking lot of Star City Shores, 4375 S. 33rd Court. The Arbor Day Foundation Lincoln Community Tree Recovery program replaces trees that have been damaged and destroyed by storms and by the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). Trees are being made available to be planted on private property. The event is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, Peter Kiewit Foundation, FedEx, Ameritas, Olsson, West Gate Bank, Lincoln Parks and Recreation, and the Community Forestry Advisory Board.  

"We appreciate the opportunity to again partner with the Arbor Day Foundation and FedEx to make these trees available to the community," said Parks and Recreation Director Lynn Johnson. “Last fall 250 trees were distributed in this same format with amazing success. Events like this help sustain a healthy, multi-age, and diverse urban tree canopy throughout Lincoln. We hope that Lincoln and Lancaster County residents will take advantage of this opportunity to receive free shade trees to plant in their yards." 

Supply is limited to 250 trees distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Residents are allowed up to two trees. Due to the pandemic, residents must remain in their cars while volunteers load trees into their vehicles. Species include American Hornbeam, Black Walnut, Buckley Oak, Bur Oak, Chinese Chestnut, Northern Red Oak, and Shadblow Serviceberry. Trees are distributed in three-gallon containers and include planting and care instructions. 

"The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted more than ever the important role that trees and green space play in our daily lives," said Dan Lambe, Arbor Day Foundation President. "By replacing trees damaged by storm events and by the Emerald Ash Borer, we can help to ensure that Lincoln community members will continue to enjoy the benefits that many trees provide, from cleaning our air and water to bolstering our mental health." 

Johnson said that the EAB was first discovered in Lincoln in August 2018. Lincoln’s EAB Response and Recovery Plan includes phased removal of public ash trees along streets and in parks.  A diverse mix of trees will be planted to replace the public ash trees. Residents may apply to participate in the Adopt an Ash tree program, which allows residents to voluntarily pay for chemical injection treatment of ash street trees near their homes to extend the lives of the trees. For more information on the EAB response plan and Adopt an Ash tree program, visit trees.lincoln.ne.gov. 

The Arbor Day Foundation's Community Tree Recovery is underwritten by the Peter Kiewit Foundation, FedEx, and Foundation members. The program has held more than 775 events, distributing more than 5 million trees since 2012. To donate to the recovery efforts supported by this campaign and others across the country, visit arborday.org/recovery. 

For more information about the free tree distribution and the Community Forestry Division, visit trees.lincoln.ne.gov.