Chandler, AZ - When the weather cools down, it is time to step outside, enjoy the great outdoors and give your landscape and trees some love! Chandler’s Celebration of Arbor Day highlights the importance and benefits of trees while providing education and instruction on introducing new trees to your yard.

“Nationally, Arbor Day is recognized in April in conjunction with Earth Day,” explains City of Chandler Urban Forester Ryan McCartney. “However, April isn’t a great time to plant and prune trees in Arizona’s desert climate. Fall is a much more appropriate time to introduce new plants and trees into your landscape.”

Chandler’s Celebration of Arbor Day takes place on Nov. 2 at Desert Breeze Park from 9-11 a.m. The free, all-ages event includes remarks from Mayor Kevin Hartke, tree planting demonstrations, interactive tree climbing demonstrations and vendors with activities for all ages. Chandler residents can take home a complimentary five-gallon native tree species to plant in their yards, with valid identification and while supplies last.

“Our urban forest is extremely important to our community’s vitality,” continues McCartney. “Events like this allow us to connect with residents, share resources and express the importance and benefits of trees. We hope that by raising awareness and enhancing education among residents, we can ensure the growth of a diverse and healthy canopy in Chandler for future generations to enjoy.”

Desert Breeze Park is located at 660 N. Desert Breeze Blvd. For more information, visit chandleraz.gov/ArborDay.