From City of Seattle

Seattle reLeaf’s Trees for Neighborhoods program is giving away free trees to Seattle residents. Through the program, participants receive up to four trees, free watering bags for each tree, training on proper tree planting and maintenance, and exciting workshop opportunities on topics like young tree pruning. Since 2009, Seattle residents have planted 3,300 trees through Trees for Neighborhoods on private property, including fruit trees, evergreen trees, street trees, and small trees under power lines.

This year, the Trees for Neighborhood application will open on Wednesday, July 31st. The program is offering thirteen tree species, including Galaxy Magnolia, Tall Stewartia, Emerald Sunshine Elm, Mountain Hemlock, and June Snow Dogwood. The complete 2013 tree list can be found at http://www.seattle.gov/trees/availabletrees.htm. Residents should apply early as many species will be claimed quickly!
Important Dates:
July 31st – Application opens
September 1st – Street tree applications due
October 11th – Yard tree applications due
October 19th or November 3rd – Attend a planting workshop and pickup your trees at the University of Washington’s Center for Urban Horticulture, 3501 NE 41st St., Seattle, 98105

Urban trees are important for cleaning our water and air, storing carbon, and building community. Trees also calm traffic, making our streets friendly to walk and bike. Larger trees provide the greatest benefits to neighborhoods and our environment because they absorb more storm water, breathe in more carbon dioxide, and breathe out more oxygen than smaller trees. If space allows, Seattle reLeaf recommends residents plant larger trees whenever appropriate. This year, consider planting one of the larger trees offered through the program, such as an Oriental Spruce, Austrian Pine, or native Mountain Hemlock!

Interested residents should visit http://www.seattle.gov/trees/treesforneighborhoods.htm for more information about the program and a link to this year’s application, opening on July 31st. Questions about the program should be directed to treesforneighborhoods@seattle.gov or (206) 615-1668.