Denton, TX – Keep Denton Beautiful (KDB) is gearing up for its 26th annual Community Tree Giveaway, offering 700 free trees to local residents. The event, a staple in Denton’s autumn calendar, allows participants to select from six species that are well-suited to the local soil and climate. Registration for the giveaway opens on Tuesday, September 24th, at 10 a.m., and residents are encouraged to register early, as trees are typically claimed quickly.
Each year, KDB curates a selection of native and adapted tree species to help enhance Denton’s urban canopy. This year’s options include both large shade trees and smaller, ornamental species.
The six species available for selection are:
- Autumn Blaze Maple (Acer freemanii ‘Jeffsred’): A hybrid of silver and red maples, this tree features vibrant red fall foliage and is known for its adaptability and lack of seed pods.
- Nellie R. Stevens Holly (Ilex x ‘Nellie R. Stevens’): A drought-tolerant, evergreen tree with dark green foliage, this holly is well-suited for Denton’s variable soil conditions.
- Shumard Oak (Quercus shumardii): A red oak known for its symmetrical crown and large acorns, the Shumard Oak is a popular shade tree option for local landscapes.
- Cedar Elm (Ulmus Crassifolia Nutt.): Reaching up to 70 feet tall, this drought-tolerant tree provides excellent shade and bursts into yellow and orange-red colors in the fall.
- Chinkapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii): A member of the white oak family, this tree has a distinctive sawtooth leaf edge and can grow up to 80 feet tall, making it a valuable shade provider.
- Texas Redbud (Cercis canadensis): Known for its iconic pink blossoms in early spring, this smaller tree reaches heights of up to 30 feet and is ideal for more compact spaces.
Denton residents can prepare for the giveaway by creating an account in advance to streamline the registration process. Trees will be distributed just in time for planting around Texas Arbor Day, helping to promote the city’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability.
For more information and to register, visit the Keep Denton Beautiful website.