If you’re free this Friday (February 20, 2026) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., there’s something pretty awesome happening in Hempstead. The Waller County Master Gardeners are giving away free tree saplings at the Waller County Extension Office. You can get up to 3 per family, and they’re all completely free! Participation is also super easy because of its drive through style; you stay in the car, and volunteers come out to hand you the trees near the Extension Office at 846 6th Street. 

It’s first-come, first-serve- so once they run out, they’re out. The trees are “bare-root”, which  means the saplings are not planted in soil and have their roots exposed and ready for planting.. That might sound a bit odd, but it’s actually the perfect time of year to plant trees; in late winter, they have yet to grow much.

The types of trees they’re giving away this year are bald cypress, cherrybark oak, nuttall oak, and shumard oaks. These trees thrive in the Southeast Texas weather and soil, and can grow into  large, shady trees with future backyard hangout potential-if you take care of them. 

The Master Gardeners are a part of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension service, where they teach people about gardening, saving water, and taking care of our environment. They also do plant sales and gardening classes during the year for those interested. 

Planting trees really does make a difference; they help keep our air clean, help wildlife, give shade (reduces energy usage), and even help control flooding by soaking up rainwater. Plus, if you’re a student, it’s a simple and easy way to get involved in something good for the environment 

If you want more info, you can call 979-826-7651 or check out their website.