Oakdale Tree Board reviews tree-giveaway logistics after pickup problems; staff to explore reminders and signup changes

The Oakdale Tree Board addressed logistics and participant follow-through for its free tree giveaway during the Jan. 21 meeting, following reports that many registrants failed to pick up reserved trees while a long waitlist remained.

Board members confirmed the giveaway will be a drive-through event staged at the North Fire Station, with a volunteer and staff flow that will direct vehicles toward Castle Elementary on exit. City staff will manage traffic; one board member suggested using high-visibility vests and traffic wands for staff on site.

Several members voiced concern that the signup process — which, as discussed in the meeting, recorded a registrant’s name and phone number but not consistently an email address — contributed to no-shows. One member proposed adding an email field and sending automated reminders; another recommended a policy that trees not claimed within two years be returned to the waitlist to reduce “placeholder” signups.

The board also discussed using advance signage to notify residents when the giveaway location changes, and asked staff to explore a simple reminder system (text or email) to reduce congestion and no-shows at future events. Staff confirmed they would look into adding an email field to the signup form and into reminder options.

Members noted past events drew school and student volunteers, and suggested proactively inviting nearby high schools. The board asked staff to follow up with details on signup fields and reminder options before the next public event.