Tree giveaway returns to New Orleans on Saturday

The big picture: For the Super Big Treesy Giveaway, households pick one tree out of 40 varieties.

• About 700 free trees will be available, with more citrus and fruit trees for sale from Becnel's.
• The giveaway is open to residents in Orleans, Jefferson, St. John, St. Tammany and the surrounding parishes, organizers say.
• The event is from 8am to noon Saturday at the Pitot House, 1440 Moss St.

Zoom in: Southeast Louisiana is nearing the end of its tree-planting season.

• By planting in the cooler months, you give trees a chance to start establishing a root system before the stress of the heat arrives.
• Water is critical during the first year, the NOLA Tree Project says. Parks and Parkways recommends watering new trees weekly for a year, with more frequent watering during hot, dry periods.

Zoom out: The NOLA Tree Project's goal is to replace 100,000 trees lost during Hurricane Katrina, according to a statement from Connie Uddo, the group's executive director.

• With this event, the group will have planted or given away 90,000 trees, she says.
• Entergy and the Arbor Day Foundation are supporting the event.