If you have a bare spot in your yard or a planting strip that begs for something other than grass, take note – the City of Seattle’s Trees for Neighborhoods program is now open. And, unlike in years past, it’s no longer first-come, first-served. Instead, there’s a lottery selection process.
The program helps increase the city’s tree canopy and provides shade and beauty for residents and visitors alike. Applications are being accepted from today, July 18th, through August 10th.
If you’re selected for the Trees for Neighborhoods program, you receive:
- Free trees (up to 4 per household, lifetime max of 8)
- A watering bag & mulch for each tree
- Training on proper planting and care
- Assistance applying for street tree planting permits
- Ongoing care reminders and future pruning workshop opportunities
Here’s the info you need to know from the Trees for Neighborhoods program:
- Take time to evaluate potential planting sites on your property. Read the planting considerations page. Consider attending a Tree & Site Selection Workshop to learn how to select the right tree for the right spot in your yard.
- Review the 2016 tree list here. Pay attention to the mature size of the trees and their needs for sun. Select trees that will have room to grow to maturity. If you have the space, please consider planting a larger tree to bring greater benefits to your neighborhood.
- Apply Online or download the PDF version and mail it in. This year’s application is a lottery; applications will be accepted from July 18th through August 10th. All applications will be processed once the first lottery round closes on August 10th.
If your application is approved, you then sign up to attend a planting and care workshop in the fall to pick-up your trees. Fall is the best time to plant a tree in Seattle because new trees benefit from fall and winter rains.
Help keep our neighborhood green and apply for the program!