If you’re a Dallas resident who pays a water bill to the city, and you also happen to be looking for a tree to plant in your garden, you’re in luck: Branch Out Dallas is offering free five-gallon trees now through September 30 while supplies last.
The free trees program has been in operation since 2018 and began as a way to make the city of Dallas a more sustainable, greener space. When additional trees are planted, temperatures cool and effectively reduce the effects of heat islands, AKA structures, like buildings, that absorb heat and re-emit it to surrounding areas.
Trees also bring better air quality to residents and reduce runoff caused by stormwater, which can have a negative impact on local drainage systems.
Over the last eight years, Branch Out Dallas has grown (pun intended) in popularity, and as such is included in Dallas’s annual Arbor Day celebration. The program is run by staffers from the Dallas Water Utilities, in assistance with the city’s Forestry team, as well as volunteers and partners in the community who help supply the trees.
Now, let’s talk about how you can participate and what types of trees are available.
How to sign up for free trees
To register for your free tree from Branch Out Dallas, visit dallas.gov/branchoutdallas and enter the required information. To qualify, you must reside within the city limits of Dallas and have an account number from the Dallas Water Utilities.
When you’re signing up, you’ll need to supply the 10-digit account number—it begins with a “1” in every case—as well as your service address, zip code, phone number, and email address.
You’ll receive updates about your tree registration through the contact information you provide on the form. Only one tree is allowed per residence, meaning only one person in your household can register and receive a tree from the program.
The primary account holder’s information is the only information that can be provided on this form. Available trees this year include Cedar Elm, Boxelder, Shumard Oak, and Roughleaf Dogwood.
Common Persimmons were available but have since been completely reserved, so it’s important to sign up ASAP even though registration is open through September 30 to make sure you don’t lose out. Not everyone is guaranteed to get a tree as they’re only available until supplies run out.
It’s important to note that tree delivery isn’t provided by Branch Out Dallas, so you’ll need to pick up whichever tree you’re given at a designated location, which you’ll select on your registration form.
It’s best to choose somewhere nearby and convenient. Once selected for the program, you’ll receive confirmation and then be able to pick up your tree on Arbor Day, Saturday November 7, between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. at that location of your choosing.
When you’re picking up your tree, you need to have both your Dallas Water Utilities water bill with you and a valid identification card. This is to verify the information provided on your registration form. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact BranchOutDallas@dallas.gov.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
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