Make a difference, plant a free tree with help from Vancouver Urban Forestry

Each fall, Vancouver Urban Forestry distributes free yard trees to encourage the community to help grow our urban forest by planting trees on their private properties

VANCOUVER – Vancouver Urban Forestry wants to help residents make a sustainable difference that can last for generations. From 10 a.m. to noon, Sat., Oct. 23, national Make a Difference Day, Vancouver Urban Forestry will be giving away free yard trees as part of a first-come, first-served yard tree giveaway.

Advanced registration is required, with a limit of one tree per eligible household. Several varieties of trees will be available, for as long as supplies last. To register or to determine eligibility to participate in this opportunity, please visit www.cityofvancouver.us/urbanforestry.

Each fall, Vancouver Urban Forestry, a branch of Public Works, distributes free yard trees to encourage the community to help grow our urban forest by planting trees on their private properties within the city. Registered recipients choose their trees in advance and receive instructions on where to pick them up and how to properly plant and care for them.

To maintain physical distancing and meet state and local health guidelines to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, this year’s Yard Tree Giveaway will be a drive-through event from 10 a.m. to noon in the Luepke Center parking lot at 1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd. In addition to the free tree for each eligible, pre-registered participant, Vancouver residents will also be able to pick up a free sign to support traffic calming in their neighborhoods and a leaf coupon that allows for free disposal of leaves at designated drop-off sites.

Urban Forestry staff are available to provide yard tree delivery and planting for residents with limited physical mobility. Email Urban Forestry at urbanforestry@cityofvancouver.us for details.

Trees provide natural canopies and shade neighborhoods, promote clean air and water, and enhance the quality of life for all. 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, please visit the Urban Forestry webpage or call (360) 487-8327.

Information provided by city of Vancouver.