SPRING 2010

Thanks to the Houston-based Apache Foundation and the Tree Bank Foundation, over 3,000 free trees have been made available to households in Oklahoma City. At this time, plans are underway to initiate a fourth “Great OKC Tree Give-Away,” with over 500 trees scheduled for distribution in April. Registration will open on March 19, 2010, and trees will be available for pick-up on April 24. For general program information, you may call 604-0041.

TREE FAQ’s:

How can I get a tree?
Citizens who want a free tree must register for one via our online registration system or by phone. Registration is now closed, but will open at 9:00 a.m. on March 19, 2010. Registration will remain open until all trees are reserved.

Who qualifies for the program?
Any citizen living within the corporate limits of Oklahoma City is eligible to receive a tree. Trees are only available for private, residential properties, and not for businesses or public lands.

Citizens MUST REGISTER with the City so that all addresses can be verified.

How do I know if I live within the Oklahoma City corporate limits?
Generally, if you are served by the Oklahoma City Police and Fire departments, and not the police or fire departments of another municipality, you live within the Oklahoma City corporate limits. A City water or utilities bill is not necessarily proof of residency.

All registrant addresses will be verified for eligibility and confirmation letters will be sent after registration closes.

What kinds of trees are available?
There will be 3-4 different species of trees available, but those species have not been verified at this time. In general, trees offered will be suitable for growing in Oklahoma’s climate and for planting in a residential setting. Please check back for more information as tree species are confirmed with the nursery.

How big are the trees?
At distribution, the trees are set in 3- to 5- gallon containers and range from 1/2” to ¾” caliper (diameter of trunk). Most trees should be able to fit inside a medium to large-sized car, small truck or SUV.

Can the tree be delivered to my home?
Unfortunately, no. The grant money funding this program is for the purchase of trees only. Citizens who qualify for a tree will need to pick it up during the designated distribution period.

How do I know if I will get a tree?
Upon the close of registration, names and addresses will be verified for residency (being within Oklahoma City’s corporate limits). Trees are available on a first-come, first-served basis, recorded by the time of registration.

All citizens that registered will receive a response either by e-mail or mail notifying you of the status as:
1. Eligible, and a tree will be reserved (confirmation number will be provided);
2. Not eligible due to residency requirements; or
3. Eligible for the “waiting list” of any unclaimed trees.

When can I pick up the tree?
Trees will only be available to pick up from on April 24, 2010 at a time to be determined. You will be notified of the specific pick-up time on your confirmation card. If you are not able to pick up your tree during the designated distribution period, you must make arrangements to have someone do it for you. Trees cannot be held past the Give-Away distribution time.

Where do I pick up the tree?
OSU-OKC Campus - Physical Plant Building 900 North Portland Ave., Oklahoma City (just south of 10th Street on Portland)

What do I do when I pick up the tree?
To pick up your tree, please bring your confirmation of registration along with a photo ID, and /or proof of address. If you are sending another person to pick up your tree for you, they will still need to bring the registration confirmation and a copy of your proof of address. If you are physically unable to carry the tree to your car, volunteers will be available to assist.

Can I get more than one tree?
No. In order to reach as many citizens as possible, only one tree per household is allowed.

How do I plant my tree?
Each citizen will be provided with a packet of take-home information on tree care and maintenance, including specific planting and watering instructions.

In addition, Master Gardeners, arborists and horticulturalists will be available during distribution to answer citizen questions. Information is also posted at www.okc.gov/releaf

Remember, before planting any tree, citizens are asked to call Oklahoma One-Call System to mark the location of any buried utility lines: 1-800-522-OKIE

How to Hire an Arborist
Tips for Damaged Trees

External Sites
www.treesafterthestorm.org
www.treelink.org