City giving away 300 free trees to Lincoln homeowners at Trick or Tree event

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The City of Lincoln isn’t handing out treats for Halloween, but it is giving away trees.

Lancaster County homeowners are invited to the third annual Trick or Tree event on Oct. 14 at Air Park West.

Volunteers will give out 300 trees on a first-come, first-served basis during the event.

“This event continues to help the capital city grow the community tree canopy – one tree at a time,” Maggie Stuckey-Ross, director of the Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department, said in a press release. “Planting trees is an investment in a healthier, happier future for us all. I encourage all residents of Lincoln and Lancaster County to take advantage of this opportunity to receive a free tree.”

For safety reasons, people must stay in the car while volunteers load the trees into the vehicles, officials said.

The locally grown trees will be given in 3-gallon containers, which include planting and care instructions.

Several tree species — including Canada red select cherry, northern catalpa and white pine — will be available.

Officials said the event is part of an Arbor Day Foundation program to replace trees that have been damaged by storms and the emerald ash borer.

More information can be found on the city’s website.