As part of Mayor Buddy Dyer’s One Person, One Tree initiative, beginning Oct. 16, Orlando residents have been able to order up to two FREE trees for their household, thanks to the City of Orlando, OUC, and the Florida Forest Service. Launched in 2015, the One Person, One Tree initiative aims to reduce CO2 emissions by increasing the urban tree canopy in Orlando from 25% to 40%. According to their site, increasing the tree canopy is equivalent to removing nearly 1,000 cars from the road each year and removing 143 homes from the grid each year. Increasing Orlando’s urban forest also reduces energy costs, reduces urban heat, cleans the air, increases property value, creates wildlife habitats, and even reduces driving speeds.

Providing trees for residents makes it possible for Orlando’s urban canopy to spread beyond public spaces and the rights-of-way planted by the city. The One Person, One Tree program is just another way that Orlando is transforming the urban living environment. Providing residents with the necessary tools to conserve, reserve, and reuse valuable resources ensures that Orlando remains a livable place now and for generations to come.

Residents can select from one of four species available this year as follows: Persimmon, Tea Olive, Chinese Pistache, and Dahoon Holly. Free trees can be ordered online by visiting http://arborday.org/cityoforlando and entering an eligible home address.