To help replace the trees lost due to the severe weather event on May 28, 2024, the City Council is launching Richardson Replants. This program will help restore the city's tree canopy, which offers both shade and beauty throughout the community. The amount of damage sustained resulted in more than 260,000 cubic yards of vegetative debris, equivalent to the amount of material collected over four years of standard Brush and Bulky Item Collection.

This fall, 500 trees will be available, with three different species: Desert Willow, Chinkapin Oak and Peach. Spring giveaways are anticipated to offer an additional 500 trees and may offer other species, depending on availability from local nurseries. The fall and spring planting periods were chosen as they are the best time of year for establishing new trees. 

Planting Your Tree

  • Fall and spring are great times to plant trees. 
  • Place the root ball on firm soil and make sure that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding grade. 
  • If necessary, stake the tree to protect it from the prevailing winds. The guy lines should not be too tight and the portion that contacts the tree trunk should be covered with a hose. 
  • If you're replacing a tree, plant the new tree at least six feet away from the old tree's location.
  • Water your new tree deeply immediately after planting

Tree Planting Illustration-01

Caring For Your Tree

Start pruning your tree after it has been in the ground for a year. Always make cuts on the outside of the branch collar and use the three-cut method to prune back to another branch or node. 

Water your tree deeply and infrequently to promote deep root growth. 

In an urban landscape, an ideal tree is 65% crown and 35% trunk. 

Newly planted tree may require staking for support. Periodically check that the wire/rope is not damaging the tree trunk and remove once no longer needed. 

Don't prune oak trees between Feb. 15 and July 15 to help prevent the spread of oak wilt.


FAQs

During tree giveaways, will there be any requirement to provide proof of residency
What types of trees will be available?
Do I need to bring anything with me? (Example: Tarp, Bungee Cords, etc.,)
How did the City choose which tree species to distribute?
What if I can't plant the tree right away? Are there steps I can take to keep it alive?
In Partnership with One Earth One Chance

OEOC 

Sponsored by Richardson Rotary Club

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