TreeFolks

From the Rio Grande Valley to Austin: Meet Marcos Martinez!

Marcos Martinez’s relationship with trees began long before his career in urban forestry. Growing up in a new neighborhood in the Rio Grande Valley, just north of the U.S.–Mexico border, green space was scarce. There were cornfields, dust, and a few parks. But his father changed that.

One day, he brought home two small live oak saplings and turned planting them into a family event. Marcos was only a toddler, but that moment stayed with him. Those two trees are still alive today, growing alongside his family home, rooted in family, care, and hope.

“Trees were the original critical infrastructure to this planet.“

That understanding of trees as living systems connects directly to City of Austin Government 's shift from the Office of Sustainability to Austin Climate Action and Resilience. To Marcos, the name change signals urgency. Sustainability is important, but resilience is about action and adaptation. Climate change is already here, and cities must prepare for hotter temperatures, stronger storms, and longer droughts.

Read the full story at: treefolks.org/blog

It's tree-care season! Don't forget to give your trees some TLC! 💚

Basic steps you can take to help your tree thrive:

🌳 Water deeply! Trees in Texas typically need 10 gallons of water per inch of diameter at breast height (4.5’) every week that it doesn’t rain at least 1 inch. Younger or recently planted trees need about 20 gallons each week until they are established (3 years).

🌳 Apply mulch! The correct way to mulch a tree is to apply a 2-to-4-inch layer of organic mulch starting 2 inches away from the trunk until you reach the canopy’s edge or drip-line. Avoid applying mulch to the base of the tree, as this can create a mulch volcano that can suffocate the tree and encourage trunk rot.

🌳Check for girdling roots! (pictured in photo 2) It's better to find roots that could be circling your tree earlier than later! Once they grow to be mature roots, they can severely affect the health of your tree ultimately leading to a shorter life span.

Every year, Austinites get the opportunity to highlight special trees in their community through the Austin Tree of the Year Awards. From schoolyard trees to the trees living in our favorite city parks, the program captures the memories and connections we hold with the trees that shape our city.

Categories are divided into Small Tree, Large Tree, Schoolyard Tree, Unique Tree, and Story Tree. Every tree has a story, and every tree's story is worth sharing! The nomination period opened on National Arbor Day last month and will run through July 24, 2026. Share your tree story for a chance to win! Public voting will begin on August 4, 2026.

Thanks to our partners at Austin Parks and Recreation Department and The Still Water Foundation for their support of the Austin Tree of the Year Program!

🌳Nominate: austintreeoftheyearawards.org 🌳