OC Loves Trees

Launched Arbor Day 2026, OC Loves Trees is an Orange County initiative designed to inspire an appreciation for trees and expand the County's urban canopy.

Through the program, the County will plant hundreds of native trees in public spaces and neighborhoods over the next several years while providing education about the benefits of trees, including shade, cooler neighborhoods, improved air quality, reduced energy costs, and enhanced wildlife habitat.

Tree plantings are funded through revenue generated by mitigation provisions in Orange County's updated Arbor Ordinance, implemented in 2024. The ordinance provides better protection to trees during development and prioritizes adding new trees to the County's urban canopy.

Under the ordinance, developers must preserve mature, ecologically significant trees on-site, replant more trees than they remove, or contribute to a fund used by the County to plant trees.

Follow Engage Orange for updates and to stay informed about events.

Have a question about OC Loves Trees?

Ask your question here and we will provide an answer.

Share Can an HOA request to have trees planted in their common area? on Facebook Share Can an HOA request to have trees planted in their common area? on Twitter Share Can an HOA request to have trees planted in their common area? on Linkedin Email Can an HOA request to have trees planted in their common area? link

Can an HOA request to have trees planted in their common area?

RML asked 24 days ago

Yes!

Starting this year as part of our broader OC Loves Trees program, the Neighborhood Services Division now offers grants to support the planting of trees on neighborhood-owned land to enhance community green spaces, improve environmental quality, and increase neighborhood resilience.
Grant funding covers the purchase and installation of appropriate tree species, as well as one year of post-planting maintenance, including watering, mulching, pruning, and monitoring to ensure successful establishment and long-term tree health. The program aims to create lasting environmental and community benefits through sustainable urban forestry practices.
Learn more about our grants program here: Neighborhood Services Grants Program | Engage Orange County
Email NeighborhoodGrants@ocfl.net for more information.
Share Do you do bougainvillea plants but we could also use oak trees? on Facebook Share Do you do bougainvillea plants but we could also use oak trees? on Twitter Share Do you do bougainvillea plants but we could also use oak trees? on Linkedin Email Do you do bougainvillea plants but we could also use oak trees? link

Do you do bougainvillea plants but we could also use oak trees?

President asked 15 days ago

Hi,

We aren't planting Bougainvilleas, but we will be planting plenty of oak trees 🌳🌳🌳
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What trees do we select from?

Kevin asked 26 days ago

The program focuses on native trees that are well-suited to Orange County and help support shade, habitat, and long-term canopy goals. This includes trees like Red Maple, Dahoon Holly, Eastern Red Cedar, Southern Live Oak, Sweet Gum, Bald Cypress, and more!
Share Good work planting more trees! Something I’ve been thinking about though is why not have our own Orange County nursery? Start the nursery on one of the MANY properties the Orange County commissioners own staff with a few of the county arborists and open it for volunteer work for our master gardeners and others. This way it supplies our street tree program and our green spaces and parks on Facebook Share Good work planting more trees! Something I’ve been thinking about though is why not have our own Orange County nursery? Start the nursery on one of the MANY properties the Orange County commissioners own staff with a few of the county arborists and open it for volunteer work for our master gardeners and others. This way it supplies our street tree program and our green spaces and parks on Twitter Share Good work planting more trees! Something I’ve been thinking about though is why not have our own Orange County nursery? Start the nursery on one of the MANY properties the Orange County commissioners own staff with a few of the county arborists and open it for volunteer work for our master gardeners and others. This way it supplies our street tree program and our green spaces and parks on Linkedin Email Good work planting more trees! Something I’ve been thinking about though is why not have our own Orange County nursery? Start the nursery on one of the MANY properties the Orange County commissioners own staff with a few of the county arborists and open it for volunteer work for our master gardeners and others. This way it supplies our street tree program and our green spaces and parks link

Good work planting more trees! Something I’ve been thinking about though is why not have our own Orange County nursery? Start the nursery on one of the MANY properties the Orange County commissioners own staff with a few of the county arborists and open it for volunteer work for our master gardeners and others. This way it supplies our street tree program and our green spaces and parks

Aaron58 asked about 2 months ago

Thank you for your input, we love this idea!
Share I don't have a question but am thankful my elm tree in the front yard was planted by Orange County in 2003-2004. It provides great shade and comfort to us ... so thanks Orange County!!! on Facebook Share I don't have a question but am thankful my elm tree in the front yard was planted by Orange County in 2003-2004. It provides great shade and comfort to us ... so thanks Orange County!!! on Twitter Share I don't have a question but am thankful my elm tree in the front yard was planted by Orange County in 2003-2004. It provides great shade and comfort to us ... so thanks Orange County!!! on Linkedin Email I don't have a question but am thankful my elm tree in the front yard was planted by Orange County in 2003-2004. It provides great shade and comfort to us ... so thanks Orange County!!! link

I don't have a question but am thankful my elm tree in the front yard was planted by Orange County in 2003-2004. It provides great shade and comfort to us ... so thanks Orange County!!!

Pat Jackowski asked about 2 months ago

Thank you for sharing this! We’re so glad to hear the elm tree has provided shade and comfort to your home over the years. We appreciate your kind words.
Share A few questions concerning the arbor ordinance: Question 1: How does the County enforce the ordinance? Is there follow-up after clearing, demolition, and construction? What are the penalties for violations? Question 2: What measures are taken to preserve the mature trees and canopy to prevent heat islands or to minimize the impacts of climate change? Small trees (< 8 feet) from a nursery are a poor substitute for a mature 40/60 year old oak. Question 3: Why are fines for violations forgiven by the County? Question 4: Is the County working with insurance companies to lessen the requirements for severe cutting or removal of mature trees? Question 5: Has the County amended the Development Code to encourage designs that retain mature trees and shrubs? Restricting tree and shrub removal to only the footprints of buildings and drives? Requiring a specific number of trees for parking lots, such as a landscape area plus tree per 10 parking spaces? Thank You!! for your interest. on Facebook Share A few questions concerning the arbor ordinance: Question 1: How does the County enforce the ordinance? Is there follow-up after clearing, demolition, and construction? What are the penalties for violations? Question 2: What measures are taken to preserve the mature trees and canopy to prevent heat islands or to minimize the impacts of climate change? Small trees (< 8 feet) from a nursery are a poor substitute for a mature 40/60 year old oak. Question 3: Why are fines for violations forgiven by the County? Question 4: Is the County working with insurance companies to lessen the requirements for severe cutting or removal of mature trees? Question 5: Has the County amended the Development Code to encourage designs that retain mature trees and shrubs? Restricting tree and shrub removal to only the footprints of buildings and drives? Requiring a specific number of trees for parking lots, such as a landscape area plus tree per 10 parking spaces? Thank You!! for your interest. on Twitter Share A few questions concerning the arbor ordinance: Question 1: How does the County enforce the ordinance? Is there follow-up after clearing, demolition, and construction? What are the penalties for violations? Question 2: What measures are taken to preserve the mature trees and canopy to prevent heat islands or to minimize the impacts of climate change? Small trees (< 8 feet) from a nursery are a poor substitute for a mature 40/60 year old oak. Question 3: Why are fines for violations forgiven by the County? Question 4: Is the County working with insurance companies to lessen the requirements for severe cutting or removal of mature trees? Question 5: Has the County amended the Development Code to encourage designs that retain mature trees and shrubs? Restricting tree and shrub removal to only the footprints of buildings and drives? Requiring a specific number of trees for parking lots, such as a landscape area plus tree per 10 parking spaces? Thank You!! for your interest. on Linkedin Email A few questions concerning the arbor ordinance: Question 1: How does the County enforce the ordinance? Is there follow-up after clearing, demolition, and construction? What are the penalties for violations? Question 2: What measures are taken to preserve the mature trees and canopy to prevent heat islands or to minimize the impacts of climate change? Small trees (< 8 feet) from a nursery are a poor substitute for a mature 40/60 year old oak. Question 3: Why are fines for violations forgiven by the County? Question 4: Is the County working with insurance companies to lessen the requirements for severe cutting or removal of mature trees? Question 5: Has the County amended the Development Code to encourage designs that retain mature trees and shrubs? Restricting tree and shrub removal to only the footprints of buildings and drives? Requiring a specific number of trees for parking lots, such as a landscape area plus tree per 10 parking spaces? Thank You!! for your interest. link

A few questions concerning the arbor ordinance: Question 1: How does the County enforce the ordinance? Is there follow-up after clearing, demolition, and construction? What are the penalties for violations? Question 2: What measures are taken to preserve the mature trees and canopy to prevent heat islands or to minimize the impacts of climate change? Small trees (< 8 feet) from a nursery are a poor substitute for a mature 40/60 year old oak. Question 3: Why are fines for violations forgiven by the County? Question 4: Is the County working with insurance companies to lessen the requirements for severe cutting or removal of mature trees? Question 5: Has the County amended the Development Code to encourage designs that retain mature trees and shrubs? Restricting tree and shrub removal to only the footprints of buildings and drives? Requiring a specific number of trees for parking lots, such as a landscape area plus tree per 10 parking spaces? Thank You!! for your interest.

Erik L. Melear, P.E. asked about 2 months ago
Thank you for your questions! We recommend you review our page on our updated tree ordinance here: https://engageorange.ocfl.net/tree-ordinance
I’ve provided responses to your questions below:
1. Orange County enforces the ordinance through permit review and code violations. If a property is cleared or if trees are removed without permits, there are penalties of $19,090 per acre or more if the diameter of the trees is known. Violations require a restoration plan including tree replanting or mitigation fees.
2. The updated ordinance is intended to better protect mature, ecologically significant trees by requiring preservation where possible, limiting removal in certain areas, and requiring stronger replacement standards when protected trees are removed.
3. Mitigation fees for trees removed are not waived; however, administrative fines (daily fines) related to a lien imposed by an administrative order of the special magistrate may be reduced at the request of the owner.
4. Not at this time.
5. The County updated its tree protection code to prioritize tree protection during site design and development review. The landscape code (Chapter 24) requires trees in parking lots, around buildings, and in buffers.
For questions about a specific property or project, please contact the Zoning Arbor Office at 407-836-5807 or Arborist@ocfl.net.
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How does residents of Orange County request trees within their neighborhood ?

STG asked about 2 months ago
Currently, the best option to obtain free trees is to attend an UF-IFAS (Agricultural Extension) planned event. These events are held annually in each Commission District.
There are three remaining Adopt-A-Tree events scheduled for 2026:
- May 16 – Dr. Phillips Park
- June 6 – Barnett Park
- July 11 – Fort Christmas Park
What residents can expect at an Adopt-A-Tree event:
- Proof of Orange County residency is required
- Residents may receive up to two trees per household per year
- Trees are intended for planting on private residential property
- Supplies are limited, and demand is typically high; trees are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last
To help ensure long-term tree health and compliance with county regulations, trees cannot be planted in rights-of-way, retention pond areas, or HOA/development common areas. Residents seeking trees for shared neighborhood or public spaces are encouraged to explore other programs or initiatives that better align with those needs.

To learn more about these events, follow Orange County social media channels. If you need any additional information, email arborist@ocfl.net