Get Free Trees from the City Saturday

The City of Dunedin is giving away 650 trees for residents to plant in honor of Arbor Day on Saturday. 

Available trees include:

Flowering —

• Crape Myrtle
• Bottlebrush
• Little Gem Magnolia
• Yaupon holly (a showy red berry tree)

Shade —

• Live Oak
• Red Maple
• Slash Pine
• Bald Cypress (which can live up to 2000 years) 

Residents may select up to two trees at  starting at 8:30 a.m. on April 21. The trees come in three-gallon containers and stand about three and a half feet. 

To qualify, bring a proof of Dunedin residency (driver’s license or utility bill).  

Also be cognizant of where you plant your new tree. As the root system expands in the years to come, it can cause structural issues if it is growing too close to utility lines, sidewalks and roadways or foundations of buildings. Once you find a suitable location, follow these helpful planting tips from City Arborist Art Finn:

1) Dig a hole five times the width of the tree's rootball. This loosens the soil around the tree and allow the roots to grow better.

2) The hole should be no deeper than the tree's rootball. About half of the top of the rootball should be exposed and out of the ground, or the tree should be planted slightly above the original grade.

Planting the tree too deep will stunt it or cause it to dry out because rain water has to much more soil to penetrate to get to the root system. Planting the tree a little higher allows the root system to grow at the surface where it can more easily absorb rain water.

3) When planting, check the root system of the tree. If roots are circling around the pot try to straighten them out or remove them. If the roots are growing down the pot, straighten them out so they plant sideways.

4) Fill around the tree using the same soil that came out of the ground. Do not add soil amendments because it restricts root growth.

5) Water your tree for about six months to help it become established. Install a ring (as big as possible) to hold water around the tree. This causes water to slowly perk down into the root system. Water your tree frequently to keep the roots moist.

For more information, call the Dunedin Parks Division at 727-298-3278.