K-Bar Ranch in New Tampa Getting 3,500 New Oak Trees as Part of Tampa's 30,000-Tree Goal

TAMPA, FL — Mayor Jane Castor's goal of planting 30,000 trees citywide by 2030 takes a major step forward this week, with 3,500 oak saplings going into the ground at New Tampa's K-Bar Ranch.

The Details 

The planting includes 1,800 live oak trees (Quercus virginiana) and 1,700 sand live oak trees (Quercus geminata), all grown in liner pots and planted by Parks & Recreation staff, Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful volunteers, and the city's Green Team. Combined with a December planting of 6,800 saplings (mostly pine), K-Bar Ranch alone will reach 10,300 new trees.

The Bigger Picture 

Citywide, since the 30,000-tree goal was announced in April 2023, Tampa has reached 16,838 total plantings — more than halfway there.

Why It Matters 

"The 56-acre site is bursting with potential, and the addition of these oaks means we'll be building a great park with shade already taking root," said Mayor Jane Castor. "Tampa is proud of its tree canopy, and we'll continue to grow it in our drive for environmental resiliency."

The initiative responds to a 2023 assessment showing Tampa's tree canopy had declined 2.3% since 2016, reaching its lowest point in 26 years.

📍 K-Bar Ranch, New Tampa, FL 

🌐 tampa.gov/green-tampa/trees-tampa for more on Tampa's tree planting programs