Orange County

Go out on a limb: Here’s how Orlando residents can receive free trees, composters

ORLANDO, Fla. — Ready to go out on a limb and add something new to your yard?

Orlando residents can receive a free tree and composter from the city

If you’re tired of throwing your food scraps in the trash and are looking for a way to add some nutrient-rich soil to your garden or plant beds, you can apply to receive a free composter from the city.

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The composters are available for those who live in single-family homes within the city limits. Click here for information on how to apply.

Don’t know where to start when it comes to composting? The city offers these tips:

  • You can add most food scraps and yard waste to your composter. Check the composting guide for a full list of what you can put into the composter.
  • Meat, bones, fats, oils, dairy and grease should not go into composters.
  • Make sure you add plenty of leaves, shredded paper or shredded cardboard to the composter and keep your compost damp to help break down food scraps.

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The city also has free trees available for city residents to plant in their front, back or side yards.

“Increasing the size and quality of our urban forest can cool our city and reduce energy and water use,” officials said.

But don’t think the city will help you care for the tree. Once you take it home, leaders say it’s your responsibility to plant, water and maintain it.

Click here for more information on how to treat yourself to a free tree.

We have now given out more than 🔟,0⃣0⃣0⃣ free trees to residents to plant at home! Thanks to everyone participating in...

Posted by City of Orlando - Government on Tuesday, July 7, 2020
Sarah Wilson

Sarah Wilson, WFTV.com

Sarah Wilson joined WFTV Channel 9 in 2018 as a digital producer after working as an award-winning newspaper reporter for nearly a decade in various communities across Central Florida.