Frequently Asked Questions

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What are the benefits of planting trees?

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Trees provide social, ecological, and economic benefits. These include air pollution reduction, water quality enhancement, and urban heat island mitigation. They provide habitat for wildlife, improve public health and increase property values.

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How do I plant a tree?

A step-by-step guide outlining the process to plant various tree types is on the Arbor Day Foundation website.

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Where can I plant a tree?

Check with San Antonio 811 prior to digging to ensure no utility lines are present. Also, make sure tree growth, including root expansion and neighboring property encroachment, will not become an issue. This may vary based on the tree species, soil conditions, and site grade.

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What type of tree should I plant?

CPS Energy’s Department of Environmental Planning & Compliance developed a comprehensive guide describing how to select, plant, and care for trees in the Greater San Antonio Region.

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When should I plant a tree?

Growing seasons vary based on the area’s climate, rainfall, soil conditions, and other factors. In South Texas, the planting season is typically October through March.

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How can I get a free tree?

CPS Energy’s Green Shade rebate program will reimburse you for tree costs. Bexar Branches Allianxeis currently developing a program that provides free trees for San Antonio community members in-need.

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What if I want to plant trees in my neighborhood?

Please contact info@bexarbranches.org to learn about available programming.

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How do I care for a tree during inclement weather?

Texas Trees, a non-profit organization supporting the Austin region, has a great blog post describing proper winter tree preparation and maintenance.

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How do I prune a tree?

The Texas A&M Forest Service has a YouTube video describing how to prune a tree, proper equipment to use, and ongoing maintenance recommendations.

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How do I care for an unhealthy tree?

There are several techniques to restore an unhealthy tree, including proper tree maintenance, composting, root restoration, and disease and pest remedies. A certified arborist is best equipped to help identify the underlying issue and develop a treatment plan.