Annual yard tree giveaway to be held Sat., Oct. 24
Vancouver’s Urban Forestry Program wants to help you make a difference that can last for generations. From 10 a.m. to noon, Sat., Oct. 24, National Make a Difference Day, Urban Forestry will be giving away a limited number of free yard trees to eligible households within the city of Vancouver.
Each fall, Vancouver Urban Forestry, a branch of the city’s Public Works Department, distributes free yard trees through its Yard Tree Giveaway Program to encourage city residents to help grow our community’s urban forest by planting trees on their private property. Trees provide natural canopies for neighborhoods, promote clean air and water, and enhance the quality of life for all.
The free trees are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of one tree per eligible household. Advanced registration is required. A variety of types of trees will be available, for as long as supplies last. To register or to determine if you are eligible to participate in this opportunity to receive a free yard tree, visit www.cityofvancouver.us/urbanforestry.
Registered recipients will choose a tree in advance and receive instructions on where to pick up the tree and how to properly plant it. This year’s Yard Tree Giveaway will be a drive-through event to maintain physical distancing and meet state and local health guidelines to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Urban Forestry staff wearing proper face covering and protective gear will be placing the tree and a bag of mulch into the vehicle of participants, who will remain in the vehicle to limit contact.
Urban Forestry will provide yard tree delivery and planting for residents with limited physical mobility. Email Urban Forestry at urbanforestry@cityofvancouver.us for details.
Based on a 2011 tree canopy study, private property in Vancouver has the most potential to grow our community’s urban forest. Vancouver’s total tree canopy is only 18.6 percent, which means the community is missing out on the many environmental, economic, health and social benefits that a healthy tree canopy provides. Planting trees on private property will help meet Vancouver’s goal of 28 percent tree canopy by 2030.
For questions and to sign up, visit the Urban Forestry webpage or call (360) 487-8327.
Information provided by city of Vancouver.
