2,000 trees are being given away for free by Portland Parks & Recreation

2000 trees are being given away for free by Portland Parks & Recreation’s Urban Forestry department as part of their annual yard tree giveaway. There are 21 species of trees available to choose from when you register online. 

If you live within Portland city limits, you can register to pick up two free trees per household. There are three pick-up events happening over the next few weeks - October 15, October 22, and November 5. 

Portland Parks & Recreation’s goal is to get more trees planted in “heat islands” where there is lower tree coverage. Parks Local Option Levy (Parks Levy,) who is supporting the event, has committed to planting new trees in communities that are affected by lack of tree coverage. 

In the press release sent out on October 11, Portland Parks Commissioner Carmen Rubio said, “Amid a record-breaking year for heat, the need for cool, shaded areas in Portland remains clear…Science has shown that trees not only cool the environment, but also play a substantial role in the larger fight against climate change.”

Since the Yard Tree Giveaway program started in 2017, over 5,000 trees have been given to locals at no cost. 

You can register to pick up a free tree, here.