Cary It Green

09/02/2026

When it comes to Cary’s tree canopy, sometimes it pays to go big. 🌳

Larger-growing native trees like oaks and maples bring a lot to the landscape as they mature: wider canopies for more shade, deep roots that help manage stormwater, cooler surroundings, and more food and habitat for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. 🐦🦋

This fall, you can add one to your own yard for free.

Registration is now open for My Tree, Our Tree! Cary residents can reserve their native tree to plant at home and help grow our community’s urban canopy.
🍁 Red maple
🌰 Overcup oak
🌳 Free to Cary residents while supplies last

Reserve yours at carync.gov/mytreeourtree.

08/23/2026

Three cheers for our volunteers!
The Green Team is helping us grow gardens instead of landfills with festival composting.

Learn more about all the ways you can compost in Cary at carync.gov/composts
Town of Cary, NC Cary Art Daze

08/23/2026

Visit the Cary It Green booth to explore our environmental programs! Cary Art Daze Town of Cary, NC

08/23/2026

♻️Curious about Cary’s solid waste programs?
Our experts are here to help at ! 👍

Visit the info booth inside town hall to chat about recycling, composting, routes, and more.

➡️Then, turn your new knowledge into action while you’re enjoying all the festival foods and fun! With more than 60 waste stations located throughout the festival, we’re simplifying sustainability!

Explore all the festival details at carync.gov/lazydaze.
Cary Art Daze Town of Cary, NC

08/22/2026

Go green at !🌎

We’re feeding the earth instead of the landfill with festival composting efforts.🍃

You can do your part by selecting from compost, recycling, or landfill at waste stations festival-wide.♻️✅

👀Look for informational signage at each station or chat with a roaming Waste Watcher volunteer to know how to throw!

All Lazy Daze details can be found at carync.gov/lazydaze.
Town of Cary, NC Cary Art Daze

08/22/2026

Join us at and chat with our environmental experts!

Learn about tree giveaways, native plant classes, volunteer opportunities, and more at the Cary It Green booth inside town hall.🌳

Explore festival details at carync.gov/lazydaze. Cary Art Daze Town of Cary, NC

08/22/2026

Lazy Daze is still on for Saturday!

Following Friday evening’s rain and thunderstorms, the 50th Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival will have a rolling start at 9 a.m. Saturday, August 22.

Artists and vendors will resume setup Saturday morning, so some areas may still be coming together as festivalgoers arrive. Cary is excited to welcome everyone downtown to celebrate 50 years of this beloved tradition.

Subscribe to LAZY at 888777 for continued real-time event information.

08/21/2026

Good news, we're leveling up our sustainability efforts! ♻️
To help reduce waste and protect our waterways, matting materials and rolled erosion control products are now required to be 100% biodegradable.

This sustainability swap is part of Cary’s annual update to the Standard Specifications and Details, so whether you are stabilizing an area for new construction, rehabilitation, or performing a regulated repair project, plastic or other synthetic netting can no longer be used for stabilization. ❌

🌏Why does this matter? Synthetic materials do not break down naturally, leaving long-term debris in landscape areas that creates litter and possibly entraps wildlife. Swapping for biodegradable alternatives is better for the environment, and we hope you'll help us spread the word.

Learn more at https://bit.ly/4hEjcC0

08/17/2026

08/17/2026

Prepare for proper pruning! 🌳✂️

Late summer is a great time to shape your trees and prune certain flowering species that have finished blooming. Done correctly, pruning supports healthy growth and helps trees thrive for years to come.

Before making any cuts:
👀 Inspect your tree for signs of pests, disease, or decay while the canopy is full.

Use proper pruning techniques:
✅ Crown thinning removes select branches to improve light pe*******on and maintain the tree's natural form.
✅ Crown raising removes lower branches to improve clearance for people, vehicles, buildings, and visibility.

🚫 Avoid topping and tipping—both can seriously damage your tree.
Topping removes the upper portion of the tree by making horizontal cuts across major upright branches. Tipping shortens branches by cutting back the ends of lateral limbs, reducing the crown's spread. These practices create weak regrowth, leave large wounds that invite pests and disease, and make trees more vulnerable to storm damage.

Healthy trees start with proper pruning. When in doubt, make fewer cuts - or consult a certified arborist. 🌿

Learn more at https://bit.ly/4wGup9l