It's about time for the city of Temple's free 'Tree for Me' program! Applications are available with the button below or by clicking here.

Last August we spent about a half hour walking the Temple Tree Farm with Park Superintendent Val Roming.

We met him at the Temple Tree Farm on E Avenue H. It's a big orchard stocked with lots of different trees that will make the city beautiful for generations. We saw Cedar Elm, Chinese Pistache, Red Bud and Mexican Plum trees specifically because these are some of the trees being included in the giveaway this fall. We saw first hand what great shape the trees are in, the soil they grow in, how they are watered, and even ways they are protected.

The grant that started the tree farm 10 years ago has been put to good use. These are all 3 to 4-year-old, very healthy trees. Nobody will take these out with a weed wacker by mistake when they are put in the ground in their new homes.

Trees from the Temple Tree Farm are in our Bell County parks, neighborhoods, in front of the Mayborn Convention Center, along with our highways, and dozens of other places.

To take advantage of the city's FREE Tree for Me program you need to be a Temple resident, then fill out an application at TempleTrees.org. You will need to arrange to pick up the tree, and if approved it's important to remember these are not gonna fit in anything but a pickup truck. The trees are meant to stand up when you move 'em down the road.

Val is ready to talk to you about trees as well! He can be reached at 254-298-5401 by anyone wanting more info on the Tree for Me program. The application process is a first come, first served basis. Pick up is usually in October. Homeowners interested in a free tree should apply today. Do not wait.

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