To further their goal of town beautification, the Town of Hickory Creek will give away two free trees per household to residents Saturday, October 20.

According to Hickory Creek Mayor John Smith, each resident will be able to receive up to two specimen trees ranging in height of eight to ten feet tall.

"These are not small saplings, they are older trees that should look nice in any yard," Smith said. The varieties available include Live Oak, Burr Oak, and Chinese Pistachio.

When the town council set goals to accomplish for the year last June, one of the objectives was to make the town more beautiful.

Smith said Monday he believes adding all the new trees to the town will help meet that goal. "We already have a beautiful town, but now we have a great opportunity to increase the beauty and value of what's here," Smith said. "I hope we are able to give away every single tree," Smith said.

"Trees add so much to our environment. Not only do they look beautiful but they improve our air quality and mitigate noise," Smith added.

Smith said the offer came about because the town's Public Works Director Jeffery McSpedden found a tree farm in the area, which was going out of business, and the town was able to purchase over 550 trees at a bargain price.

"We are so lucky Mr. McSpedden came across this great deal. My hat goes off to him for looking out for the town in this way," Smith said.

Council member Richard Baker said each tree will have a yellow ribbon attached when it is picked up. Baker is asking residents to keep the ribbon in place through Veterans Day, November 11, as a remembrance of the men and women who have served our country in the military services at home and abroad.

"I think it is a wonderful way to show our support and to remember those brave men and woman," Baker said. "For our neighbors here in Hickory Creek who have served or have someone serving now, I hope they see the yellow ribbons and know how grateful we are for their efforts and sacrifice," Baker said.

Senior residents of the town age 65 and older may request delivery of the trees by calling the town offices at (940) 497-2528 before Friday.

Also, as a part of National Public Lands Day, the town invites volunteers to attend a tree planting ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 20 at 9 a.m.in Arrowhead Park.

The tree give away will be held at Hickory Creek Town Hall from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Proof of residency (driver's license or water bill) will be required to receive the free trees.