In the ongoing effort to enhance Tampa’s urban tree canopy, the City of Tampa is excited to host the third annual Mayor Jane’s Tree Giveaway tomorrow, when 500 free trees will be distributed to community members.
Tampa residents will receive up to two free trees during Mayor Jane’s Tree Giveaway, which takes place Saturday, April 13 from 9-11 a.m. Residents can choose from among six species (each is a 3-gallon tree) while supplies last.
"Tampa prides itself on a world-class urban tree canopy, but we must continue to do everything we can to protect and replenish it,” Mayor Jane Castor said. "You can help us by taking home a tree or two."
In April 2023, Mayor Castor announced a goal of 30,000 newly planted trees by 2030 – about 5,000 trees a year.
Last week, the City of Tampa finalized receipt of $1 million grant from U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Urban and Community Forestry initiative. The City will use the grant to plant and maintain trees, combat extreme heat, and improve access to natural areas.
"We gave away or made available 1,000 trees in 2022 and 2023," Castor said. "After today's 500 are distributed, we will work closely with neighborhood associations and community partners to deploy the other 500 trees throughout the year."
Pre-registration is now closed. There will be limited day-of registration slots open on-site.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Residents must live within City of Tampa limits to be eligible for up to two free trees per household; and must be prepared to show proof of residency.
Residents must also come prepared to safely transport a 5- to 8-foot tall tree in their vehicles. Staff will be on-site to help load trees. Residents are asked to arrive prepared with a blanket covering the bed of their car/truck where the tree will be loaded.
NATIVE TREE SPECIES
- Southern Live Oak — Mature height: 60-80 feet | Mature spread: 60-120 feet
- Red Maple — Mature height: 60-75 feet | Mature spread: 25-35 feet
- Longleaf Pine — Mature height: 60 -25 feet | Mature spread: 30-40 feet
- Simpson Stopper — Mature height: 20-30 feet | Mature spread: 15-20 feet
- Yaupon Holly — Mature height: 15-25 feet | Mature spread: 15-20 feet
- Red Mulberry — Mature height: 15-70 feet | Mature spread: 35-40 feet
Tree species will be available while supplies last and residents will choose their tree species on-site.
This event is hosted by the City of Tampa's Parks & Recreation Department and the City's office of Sustainability & Resilience. This initiative is powered by Mayor Jane Castor's Transforming Tampa's Tomorrow vision.