Gainesville tree canopy expands with the help of volunteers

Published on October 22, 2025

As temperatures cool in the fall, winter and spring, experts say it’s the best time of year to plant trees in Florida, when they’re dormant and require less water. 

The City of Gainesville is making the most of these ideal conditions with a new program enlisting the help of volunteers to plant trees each month in municipal parks and greenspaces. Volunteers gain the know-how to beautify their own yards while helping enhance public lands with added shade and color.   

“Our goal is to plant as many as 150 new trees between October and March,” said Urban Forestry Program Coordinator Sam Schatz who recently demonstrated proper tree-planting techniques to a dozen volunteers at Evergreen Cemetery.

“This is a 100- to 200-year investment we’re making in our environment so let’s take our time and set up this tree for success,” said Schatz to the group. “Don’t dig a big crater for every tree. The base should sit just above ground level and keep the dirt around the hole so we can fill it back in. Then build the berm around the hole with the extra soil, covering the soil berm with mulch.”

Working in pairs, the volunteers replaced trees at the municipal cemetery lost to this year’s dry conditions. In all, 28 trees were planted including cedar, persimmon, plum, saw tooth oak, spruce pine, sycamore and wax myrtle. 

“I love trees but have never actually planted a tree before,” said Taylor Blair, a student in natural resource conservation. “Fortunately, digging the hole isn't as intense as I thought it would be.” 

Carlos Gonzalez, executive director of Keep Alachua County Beautiful, helped recruit volunteers. “I’m happy to support the city in new beautification efforts like this one,” he said.

The next tree planting event is scheduled Sat., Nov. 1 at Fred Cone Park. Volunteers will help plant fruit trees in the city’s edible grove. To volunteer or get tree-planting tips, email UrbanForestry@GainesvilleFL.gov.