Oak trees are coming.
Orland Park could be in line for anywhere from 50-200 free oak tree saplings for residents as a part of a Restore the Canopy, Plant a Tree initiative from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District.
The Orland Park Village Board voted March 16 to get involved in the program, as suggested by the Conservation and Sustainability Advisory Board.
“It’s a no-cost program and several members of the advisory board have agreed to volunteer to hand out these on a first-come, first-served basis to the residents if you are in favor of this program,” Assistant Village Manager Jim Culotta told the board.
Trustee Dina Lawrence said the village should be receiving oak tree saplings soon, though the distribution date has not been set.
“These are oak tree saplings, so they are very small,” she said. “We plant trees not for ourselves but we plant trees for our grandkids and their children.
“In case people don’t know, oak trees are actually probably the most valuable tree from an environmental perspective because they host so many different species of nature.”
However, she said that those residents who want to plant the oak trees should plan it out.
“One thing you should think about first is that oak trees get very big and their roots go very far and they go very deep,” Lawrence said. “They spread out.
“So, if you are thinking about it, you better think very carefully of where you want to put it in your yard.”
She added the saplings will need a lot of care for the first few years and water intake should be monitored closely during dry spells.
Overall, she thinks it’s a great idea.
“I’m delighted that one of the members of the conservation committee went to the MWRD and said, “Hey, Orland Park requests to receive some of the trees you are promoting to be given away” and was successful,” Lawrence said.
The MWRD started the program in 2016 to reduce flooding and enhance water quality. It has distributed more than 100,000 trees in that time.