Get tips for planting, pruning, and caring for trees in your own backyard here and join an arborist for seasonal online Tree Talks. 

Tree Programs and Classes

My Tree, Our Tree Giveaway
Cary's biannual native tree giveaway allows registered Cary citizens to pick up one free native tree per household to plant in their yard and add to the community's tree canopy. Learn more here.

• Registration Opens | August 14, noon
• Registration Closes |September 11, 5 p.m.
• Lottery Winners Notified | September 23
• Giveaway Event | October 5 

Cary Environmental Symposium
September 4—October 9
Cary invites you to a month-long lineup of engagement activities hosted in partnership with Trees for the Triangle. This community collaboration includes a variety of sustainability-focused presentations, films, and discussions. Learn more and register.

• WHY ARE THE BIRDS DISAPPEARING?
  Larry Zoller | Wednesday, September 4, 7 p.m. | Cary Arts Center
• YOUTH & INCLUSIVITY
  Basil Camu | Wednesday, September 11, 7 p.m. | Cary Arts Center
• THE NATURE OF OAKS
  Douglas Tallamy | Friday, September 20, 7:30 p.m. | The Cary Theater
• INVASIVES
  Cody Coates | Wednesday, September 25, 7 p.m. | Senior Center at Bond Park
• ALMOST GONE WITH THE WIND, The Long Leaf Pine Faces Extinction in Cary
  Earl Ijames | October 2, 7 p.m. | Senior Center at Bond Park
• HOW URBAN FORESTS MAKE COMMUNITIES HEALTHIER AND MORE RESILIENT
  Nils Peterson | Wednesday, October 9, 7 p.m. | Senior Center at Bond Park

Tree Care, Urban Forestry & You!
September 17 | 6:30—8 p.m. | Herb Young Community Center - Cardinal Room
Enjoy an evening with Cary’s Urban Forester and discover how you can take actions today to help grow the forests of tomorrow Learn proper tree care practices, explore available resources, and join in the tree care conversation in our community. Registration required.


Fall Tree Talk: Tree Planting Tips
October 2 | noon—1 p.m. | Virtual
Join us for Q&A with Cary’s Urban Forester for planting and growing healthy trees. This lunch-and-learn program is free and virtual. Registered attendees will receive a program calendar invite via Webex about 24 hours prior to the class. Registration closes 2 days before the program. Registration required.


Autumn Tree Walk
October 12 | 9:30—11 a.m. | Ed Yerha Park
Gather for a tree identification stroll during peak leaf season, enjoy the beauty of a unique urban wetland ecosystem, and discover the many benefits that trees and forests play in our community. Registration required.


Winter Tree Talk: Tree Care Tips 
December 3 | noon—1 p.m. | Virtual
Learn how to recognize maintenance needs and potential hazards! Cohosted by Cary’s Urban Forest Manager, this Tree Talk will include a presentation and Q&A to gain knowledge about how to assess tree health, potential risk, and when to reach out to a professional. Registration closes 2 days before the program. Registered attendees will receive a program calendar invite via Webex about 24 hours prior to the class. Registration required.
 

How to Plant a Tree in Five Easy Steps

Local Master Arborist Katie Rose Levin shows how to grow healthy and beautiful trees through simple steps you can do at home.

 
Planting a tree in springtime? Check mulched areas and shrub beds for seedlings that need transplanting. The smaller the seedling, the better the chance of survival. Trees such as maple, ash, and dogwood germinate in the spring, and first-year seedlings are easier to move successfully. Oaks and other trees germinate in the fall. 

Top Trees for Your Yard

Dr. Barbara Fair, Landscape Specialist for NC State University and certified arborist, suggests some large and understory tree species. Consider using these native trees and plant material and removing invasive species.

Tree Care 101

Master arborist Katie Rose Levin points out some clues to look for to help you gauge the health of your trees.

Mulching

Practice good mulching this season with some tips from Town staff expert Srijana Guilford.

With the right touch, hardwood mulch retains soil moisture, acts as a buffer from extreme temperatures, and suppresses weeds. When it is time to mulch, know what’s needed:

• Think 2x2x2: up to two inches of mulch, at least two inches away from the trunk, in a circle two feet wide or to the edge of the canopy when possible. 
• Check the depth of existing mulch and, if sufficient, use a rake to break it up and refresh the look. Breaking up the mulch helps the tree roots access to air and water.

External Sources

• Every tree has a tangible economic impact. Calculate the benefit of the trees you plant.
• The National Arbor Day Foundation lists nine things you should know about trees.
• Check out the NC Forest Service for more about the benefits of urban forests. 
• The National Arbor Day Foundation has information on tree identification.
• The Plant Information Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill lists common North Carolina trees.