The City of Amarillo (COA) Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) is hosting a tree giveaway on Friday at noon at Rick Klein Sports Complex, 3901 S. Grand St.
The event is in celebration of National Arbor Day, typically held the fourth Friday in April. At least 800 trees (Kentucky coffetrees and Scotch pines) will be provided to the public free of charge.
PARD selected the Kentucky coffeetree in honor of the tallest Kentucky coffeetree in the state of Texas, located in Will Rogers Park. It stands at 55 feet with a spread of 56 feet. The Scotch pines are a generous donation from Shawn Palmer with K&R Tree Farm.
A maximum of two trees per car, along with care instructions, are available on a first-come first-served basis until supplies last.
“The City of Amarillo Parks and Recreation Department greatly appreciates the generosity of Mr. Palmer and K&R Tree Farm and all who are helping to make this free event possible for the Amarillo community,” said PARD Director Michael Kashuba. “The benefits of planting trees are numerous. Trees absorb pollutants and release oxygen, they help prevent erosion and slow rainwater runoff, they provide a habitat for birds and other wildlife, provide shade and increase property value.”