These trees are giving.
It’s time for the Austin Tree of the Year Awards, an annual recognition of the most beautiful, storied, and unbeleafable trees in the ATX. And guess what? You get to pick the winners.
They’re tree-mendous
The awards were created in 2007 to encourage support of the city’s urban forest and celebrate all that trees do for Austinites. Before it ended in 2013, the program recognized 10 local trees. Some notable winners include:
- Texas Persimmon at Pease Park — 2008 Small Tree of the Year
- Pecan at Zilker Park — 2011 Large Tree of the Year
- Burr oak at Highland Park Elementary — 2010 Community Tree Honorable Mention
A decade after the last tree was honored (the Old Baldy cypress at McKinney Falls State Park, in case you were curious), TreeFolks and Austin Parks and Recreation brought the awards back in 2022.
Last year, the first awards in 10 years went to:
- Desert willow at Enfield Road and Lorrain Street — Small Tree
- Sorin Oak live oak at St. Edwards University — Large Tree
- This tree is 250 years old, making it one of the oldest live oaks in Austin.
- Live oak at Bryker Woods Elementary — Schoolyard Tree
- Live oak at the former Pease Elementary School — Story Tree
- This tree is one of Austin’s largest live oaks.
- Live oak at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center — Unique Tree
We’re rooting for you
Nominations opened on Saturday for this year’s awards. Review the rules and submit yours online.
After that, Austinites will be able to vote for their trees of choice between Friday, Sept. 1-Tuesday, Oct. 31. The winners will be awarded on Saturday, Nov. 4.
Need help finding a tree to nominate? Check out Austin’s 1976 Tree Registry, or identify trees in your neighborhood using iNaturalist or the What Tree is That tool.
