What? You didn’t take the city up on its offer for free trees? Highrises are piling up on Stone Way like legos on a preschool floor, houses are being demolished to build apartment complexes, and here, we have the opportunity to bring back the forest, and yet free trees are left in lonely bundles, desperate for a home.
Katie Gibbons writes:
I work for the City of Seattle’s Trees for Neighborhoods program and we’re trying to find homes for some really great street trees. The street tree application deadline is next Wednesday, August 27th. I’m looking for some help getting the word out on local blogs/websites with the hope of finding some sufficient planting spaces for these trees
Plant a Neighborhood Landmark—Apply for a Street Tree!
Does this hot, sunny weather have you wishing your street had more tree canopy? The City of Seattle’s Trees for Neighborhoods program helps Seattle residents plant trees around their homes. Since 2009, residents have planted over 4,000 trees in yards and along streets through the program. Through Trees for Neighborhoods, participants receive up to 4 free trees, assistance applying for street tree planting permits, and training on tree planting and care.
Plant a future neighborhood landmark—apply for a white oak, silver linden, tulip tree, or black tupelo for your planting strip! Imagine the awe-inspiring beauty a street tree will someday provide your neighborhood. All of these trees require at least a 7 or 8 foot planting strip with no overhead power lines. Ready for a tree? Don’t delay—the application for street trees closes Wednesday, August 27th! Yard tree applications will be accepted until October.
To apply for a street tree visit www.seattle.gov/trees. If you have questions, email [email protected] or call (206) 684-3979.
These trees haven’t been grabbed for a reason. All grow to a mature height of 60 feet.
If you think you do have enough space for one, the Trees for Neighborhoods folks will check out your proposed planting location in your application to confirm that it is a good place for this variety of tree.
Why doesn’t the city require developers to plant a certain amount of trees/green on their lots rather than allowing these lot-to-lot line condo buildings? It can’t just be the individual home owners that (disproportionately) help produce a greener city while the developers/money-makers chop everything down. Not that I don’t like the trees in my yard.
Because Planning and Development doesn’t begin to have that kind of interest in the long term quality of life in the neighborhoods.
Write a letter or call your council with concerns you may have. Two years ago I removed a tree from my parking strip due to it was dying and the city informed me I had to replace it with another tree on my own nickle (I wish it was just a nickle). Trees for Neighborhoods is a great program for people right now if the location fits.