LITTLE ROCK, AR — The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s fifth annual Free Tree Fridays campaign successfully distributed 15,400 tree seedlings across the state during 35 events held each Friday from March 21 through April 25. A total of 3,620 Arkansans participated in the events, celebrating Arbor Day and the importance of trees in our communities.
Article submitted by Arkansas Department of Agriculture
Each giveaway featured a variety of tree species native to Arkansas, including cherrybark oak, eastern redbud, persimmon, red mulberry, river birch, and Shumard oak. The campaign aims to promote the many benefits of trees while encouraging proper planting techniques and the use of native species.
“Free Tree Fridays is a way to celebrate Arbor Day by raising awareness about the benefits of trees and encouraging Arkansans to plant them in their communities,” said Kristine Kimbro, Urban and Community Forestry Coordinator. “We’re proud that this event continues to grow each year, offering people across the state the opportunity to plant native trees that support cleaner air and water, provide shade and wildlife habitat, and enhance the beauty of our neighborhoods.”
The Free Tree Fridays campaign began in 2021 when Grant County Ranger Troy Wood proposed a tree giveaway to celebrate Arbor Day. Since then, the campaign has expanded statewide, becoming a highly anticipated annual event.
Funding for this project is provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program, in partnership with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, and supported by the Arkansas Urban Forestry Council.
The 2025 campaign has concluded, but additional resources and information are available on the Urban and Community Forestry webpage here.
