Tag Archives: urban forestry

Free Trees from Seattle’s reLeaf Program

The City of Seattle is sponsoring a Trees For Neighborhoods program again this year. The program encourages residents to plant trees in their yards and along their streets. They city will provide residents:

  • Free trees
  • Watering bags
  • Training on proper planting and care
  • Coupon for free Groco compost
  • Ongoing care reminders and workshop opportunities

The list of available species is here.

This is a City program so there are some ground rules:

  • Trees can be planted anywhere in residential yards, but must be planted at the address on the application. 
  • Permits are required if planting street trees – reLeaf staff will coordinate acquiring permits. Receiving a permit is not guaranteed. No permit is required for yard trees. 
  • You must be present at the planting training to pick up your tree(s). All trees should be planted shortly after receiving them. 
  • The number of trees approved for your yard may be fewer than the number requested. Please note that tree availability is not guaranteed.
  • If you do not own your home, you must obtain the permission of the homeowner. 
  • Tree supply is limited and applications will be accepted on a first come first served basis, so apply early!

If you would like to participate, please visit the program website and submit your application. The deadline for applications for street trees this year is September 1st, 2011 and for yard trees is October 24th, but you should apply early because the number of trees is limited.

Tree Ambassadors Needed

The City of Seattle is looking for people to volunteer as tree ambassadors to help with protecting and growing our urban forest.

The Tree Ambassador program empowers residents to become stewards of the urban forest and serve as resources for their local community. Tree Ambassadors will be trained in the basics of urban forestry, leadership and community organizing. Tree Ambassadors will work in teams of 2-3 people to develop neighborhood projects such as tree walks, invasive species removal workdays, and/or tree plantings.

Check it out here. Crown Hill Neighbors recently received a Department of Neighborhoods Small and Simple grant to develop a tree walk and study some of the benefits of the urban forest in Crown Hill. We hosted Arthur Lee Jacobson on a very well attended and received walk through a small portion of our survey area. If you attended our walk or are interested please consider volunteering.