Dallas celebrates Arbor Day with sixth annual Branch Out Dallas tree giveaway
Dallas, Texas – Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) is gearing up for its sixth annual Branch Out Dallas event as part of the city’s Arbor Day celebration. Set for Saturday, November 2, 2024, the event offers Dallas residents an opportunity to increase the greenery in their communities by providing them with free trees. Since its start in 2018, the program has grown in popularity, eventually becoming a significant part of Dallas’s annual Arbor Day festivities, helping residents actively contribute to the city’s environmental goals.
Branch Out Dallas: A Growing Legacy
Through Branch Out Dallas, residents who registered in advance will receive a free 5-gallon tree, selecting from five types chosen for their resilience in North Texas: chinquapin oak, cedar elm, redbud, Mexican white oak, and lacebark elm. These species are known for their suitability to Dallas’s climate, offering a range of environmental benefits, including reducing stormwater runoff, cooling city temperatures, and improving air quality by mitigating the heat island effect. In total, more than 2,500 trees will be distributed to Dallas residents.
Environmental and Community Impact
Branch Out Dallas aligns with DWU’s initiatives to boost the city’s overall tree canopy, a natural asset that brings numerous ecological advantages. Trees play a critical role in regulating urban temperatures, especially during Dallas’s hot summers, where shading and natural cooling are invaluable. Additionally, trees contribute to air purification and provide essential habitats for local wildlife. For these reasons, the city has placed a strong emphasis on expanding green spaces and promoting tree planting efforts citywide. DWU’s collaboration with the Dallas Forestry team, local volunteers, and community partners ensures that tree distribution is seamless and accessible for all participants.
Convenient Distribution Points Across Dallas
To make tree pickup convenient, DWU has established seven distribution centers across the city. Registered residents can collect their trees from 9 a.m. to noon on November 2 at the following locations:
- Shelton School: 17301 Preston Road
- Marsh Lane Baptist Church: 10716 Marsh Lane
- Bishop Lynch High School: 9750 Ferguson Road
- Skillman Church of Christ: 3014 Skillman Street
- Tyler Street Church: 927 W. 10th Street
- Cristo Rey Dallas College Prep Innovation Center: 9701 San Leon Avenue
- St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic School: 4019 S. Hampton Road
A Celebration Rooted in Sustainability
Branch Out Dallas underscores Dallas’s commitment to sustainable growth and environmental stewardship. As the event brings the community together in celebration of Arbor Day, it not only provides tangible benefits like free trees but also reinforces the importance of urban greenery in fostering a healthier, more sustainable city. This year’s Branch Out Dallas event promises to contribute another layer to Dallas’s vibrant ecosystem while engaging the community in the shared goal of a greener future.
