The City of Norman Parks & Recreation Department will be hosting the “Right Tree, Right Place” Tree Giveaway beginning at 8 a.m. on November 21, 2025, at Griffin Community Park, 1001 E. Robinson Street. The event will take place on a first-come, first-served basis for Norman residents and conclude when all trees are given away.
The city has partnered with the Oklahoma Electric Cooperative (OEC), First United Bank of Norman, Grissom Landscape Nursery and the Norman Park Foundation to make the event possible.
The Right Tree, Right Place program is promoted by power companies as a way to increase awareness about not planting trees near overhead power lines. The tree species offered this year are the Little Gem Magnolia, Brandywine Red Maple, Shoal Creek Vitex, and Blue Point Juniper. The maple will grow to be a moderately sized tree, not appropriate for planting under power lines. All other species mentioned can be relatively compact. At the time of pickup, the trees will range from around 3 feet in height to 7 feet in height, depending on the particular species. Pickup trucks are ideal for pickup but Parks Maintenance staff will do their best to work with patrons in fitting trees into vehicles available. A total of 300 trees will be given away on November 21.
Proper placement of trees not only helps beautify the neighborhood, but it can reduce summertime electricity bills, increase property values, minimize erosion and reduce pollution.
“Any time you can plant a tree anywhere, it’s going to give us those environmental benefits,” said City Forester Colin Zink. He will be at the tree giveaway to help answer questions and advise residents on best planting practices and how to care for their trees.
“This is really the best time of year to plant a tree,” he said. “While it may not look like much is going on aboveground, most of the growth is going on below ground.” That growth helps establish a healthy root system for the tree and allows it to be well-established when spring rains arrive.
Residents should use the main park entrance off of Robinson. To deter traffic congestion, residents will only be allowed to enter the park from westbound travel; the left turn-lane into the park for eastbound traffic on Robinson will be blocked off.
Normanites wishing to participate in this event should bring proof of residence (City of Norman utility bill or Norman address on a valid ID). Only one tree per household will be allowed, but neighbors may carpool to pick up multiple trees as long as they have identification that show different addresses. Residents will not be able to reserve trees or pick up trees for those who are not present.
In addition to the City Forester, recreation center staff will be there to check people in, inquire on their preferred type of tree, and provide them with an informational card that includes planting instructions for the species.
Call 405-366-5472 for more information.
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