Orange County to host free tree giveaway this weekend

This weekend, residents will have the opportunity to take home free trees at the Orange County Adopt-A-Tree event. 

The event allows residents to take home trees to plant provided by Orange County Parks and Recreation facilities throughout the county on select Saturdays.

The program is a collaboration with the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and promotes the planting of trees in order to provide a number of ecosystem services. Trees have the ability to help regulate extreme temperatures, remove harmful air particles, reduce erosion, favorably alter soil chemistry, dampen sound, sequester carbon, improve human health outcomes, and even increase your property value, according to UFIFAS. 

This Saturday, Aug. 21, locals will be able to travel to South Econ Community Park from 8 a.m. to noon for the opportunity to receive up to two trees per household. 

Attendees will be able to choose from trees such as live oak, bald cypress, red maple, Japanese blueberry and more. 

For those unable to attend Saturday's event, the event also is scheduled for the following dates and loations:

• Oct. 2 at Dr. P. Phillips Community Park, 8249 Buenavista Woods Blvd., Orlando
• Nov. 6 at Magnolia Park, 2929 S. Binion Road, Apopka
• Dec. 11 at Barnett Park, 4801 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando