The city of Fayetteville will distribute free trees and shrubs to residents on Saturday, Oct. 17, as part of its annual Celebration of Trees event. Starting at 7 a.m., Fayetteville city staff and members of the Urban Forestry Advisory Board will hand out up to two trees or shrubs per resident at two locations: the Spring Street Parking Garage at 221 N. School Ave. and the Fayetteville Farmers’ Market on the Fayetteville Square.
The giveaway aims to encourage residents to plant native and climate-appropriate species this fall, contributing to Fayetteville’s urban forest and supporting local biodiversity. Residents can choose from a variety of species suited for Northwest Arkansas’ climate conditions, including shrubs like strawberry bush, Virginia sweetspire, arrowwood viburnum, buttonbush, pawpaw, and winterberry. The available tree species include American beech, willow oak, white oak, and tulip poplar.
The Celebration of Trees event is an annual tradition in Fayetteville, reflecting the city’s broader urban forestry initiatives. Fayetteville’s Urban Forestry Advisory Board works closely with the city to promote tree planting and maintenance programs that improve air quality, provide shade, reduce stormwater runoff, and enhance neighborhood aesthetics.
Both giveaway locations will open promptly at 7 a.m. Residents are encouraged to arrive early as the number of available plants is limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants must reside in Fayetteville to be eligible for the free trees and shrubs, and while each resident may receive up to two plants, they should consider their available planting space and long-term tree maintenance needs before selecting species.
The city’s Forestry Office recommends planting trees in the fall because cooler temperatures and increased rainfall give new roots time to establish before the hot summer months arrive. Trees planted this season are more likely to survive and thrive, which benefits Fayetteville’s urban canopy and helps reduce the urban heat island effect.
The selection of species for this year’s giveaway favors those native and well-adapted to Arkansas’ climate, which typically experiences hot summers and mild to cold winters. For example, the American beech (Fagus grandifolia) is a slow-growing native hardwood valued for its shade and ornamental qualities. The willow oak (Quercus phellos) and white oak (Quercus alba) are important local oaks known for their strong wood and wildlife habitat value. Tuli poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) grows quickly and provides early shade, making it popular for urban planting.
Among shrubs, the Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica) is appreciated for its fragrant white flowers and attractive fall color. Arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum) produces berries that attract songbirds, while buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) thrives in wet areas and supports pollinators. Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is notable as Arkansas’ state fruit tree, producing edible fruit and providing food for butterfly larvae. Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is a native holly with bright red berries that support winter wildlife.
Fayetteville’s focus on tree planting ties into wider efforts across Northwest Arkansas to enhance urban ecosystems. Trees contribute to public health by improving air quality and providing shade, which can reduce cooling costs and heat stress in neighborhoods. Increasing tree cover also helps manage stormwater by intercepting rainfall and reducing runoff into local streams and rivers.
This event follows Fayetteville’s previous urban forestry actions, including tree inventory analyses, public education campaigns, and partnerships with local nonprofits. These programs are consistent with statewide trends encouraging native plant use and sustainable urban development. Fayetteville’s urban forest currently covers approximately 43% of the city’s land area, according to its 2022 tree canopy report, and initiatives like the Celebration of Trees help maintain or increase this coverage over time.
Residents interested in participating should prepare to transport and plant the trees promptly after pickup. Volunteer groups in Fayetteville occasionally offer assistance with planting for those who need help. For more information, including planting tips and species details, Fayetteville’s Parks and Recreation Forestry Division recommends visiting the city’s official website or contacting their office directly.
The city’s commitment to its urban forestry program reflects ongoing priorities to balance urban growth with environmental stewardship. Events like the free tree giveaway represent tangible steps Fayetteville takes to involve residents in these efforts, contributing to the city’s resilience and quality of life.
Source: Fayetteville Flyer