In Summary:
Orange County leaders marked Arbor Day by launching the “OC Loves Trees” initiative, a program focused on planting native trees and expanding canopy coverage. Mayor Jerry L. Demings said the effort will serve as critical green infrastructure, helping reduce heat and improve environmental resilience. The initiative is supported by an updated Arbor Ordinance and will be reinforced through grants, long-term planning, and a forthcoming Urban Forest Master Plan.
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On a warm spring day at Great Oaks Village, Orange County leaders carefully secured a young live oak in the ground, covering its roots with fresh soil.
Related: Orange County Program helps residents protect springs and save on septic repairs.
The ceremonial tree planting on April 25 was a fitting tribute to Arbor Day. But the event symbolized something much bigger: the launch of a new countywide initiative called “OC Loves Trees.”
Through the program, Orange County will plant hundreds of native trees in the coming years, expanding the urban canopy and investing in greener, more resilient communities. The initiative will also inspire an appreciation for trees by educating residents about their many benefits, including shade, cooler neighborhoods, improved air quality, reduced energy costs and enhanced wildlife habitat.
“Arbor Day is a time to recognize the importance of trees to our environment—from clean air and wildlife habitat to overall community well-being,” Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings said at the tree-planting event. “As Orange County continues to grow and face environmental challenges, our urban forest serves as critical green infrastructure, reducing heat, improving air quality and supporting resilience.”
The initiative is supported by the County’s updated, award-winning Arbor Ordinance, which strengthens tree protection during development and prioritizes expanding canopy coverage. Under the ordinance, developers are required to preserve mature, ecologically significant trees on-site, replant more trees than they remove, or contribute to a fund used by the County to plant native trees—such as oaks, magnolias, cedars, and hollies—in public spaces and neighborhoods.
“The ‘OC Loves Trees program is designed to ignite a love affair for trees across Orange County while expanding our native tree canopy,” said Tanya Wilson, director of the Planning, Environmental, and Development Services Department.
Wilson emphasized the broader impact trees have on residents’ daily lives.
“They provide shade, reduce energy costs, purify the air, mitigate flood, and transform everyday spaces into places of play and connection,” she said. It’s so important that we preserve and protect trees here in Orange County.”
Great Oaks Village, Florida’s oldest and largest foster care group home, served as a meaningful backdrop for the event. County leaders noted the symbolism of planting a live oak at a site dedicated to growth, stability and opportunity.
“Great Oaks Village is a place where joy lives, hope grows and help happens. Today’s tree planting is a legacy investment that will benefit generations to come,” Wilson said.
Following the ceremony, children at Great Oaks Village dedicated the newly planted tree to Mayor Demings, calling it “The Demings Oak.”
Looking ahead, Orange County plans to continue expanding its tree canopy through long-term planning efforts, including developing an Urban Forest Master Plan to guide future investments and ensure equitable access to tree benefits across all communities.
The County is also adding tree planting to its Neighborhood Beautification Grant and Sustainable Communities Grant programs. Eligible Homeowners Associations and non-dues-collecting subdivisions can receive funding assistance for wall repairs, tree planting and trimming, community gardens, sustainable lighting, irrigation repair, and more.
Through initiatives like “OC Loves Trees,” the County aims to create a greener, more sustainable future while improving the quality of life for residents today and for generations to come.
“What I want our children and all our residents to remember is that trees are not just part of the landscape, but essential to life and the healthy communities we strive to create,” Wilson said.
Learn more about OC Loves Trees, ask questions, and stay informed about future tree-planting events at Engage Orange County.
Key Points:
- “OC Loves Trees” will plant hundreds of native trees across Orange County in the coming years.
- The initiative launched with a ceremonial Arbor Day planting at Great Oaks Village.
- The County’s updated Arbor Ordinance strengthens protections for mature trees and requires replanting or contributions from developers.
- Trees provide benefits, including shade, lower energy costs, improved air quality, and flood mitigation.
- Future efforts include an Urban Forest Master Plan and expanded grant programs for neighborhoods and HOAs.
