Philadelphia Residents Can Register Now For TreePhilly Tree Giveaway

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, in partnership with the Fairmount Park Conservancy and Wells Fargo, Tuesday announced that registration for the Fall 2015 TreePhilly Yard Tree Giveaways is now open.

Property owners can register for up to two free trees to plant in a yard or lawn on private property. A variety of species are available, including large shade trees, smaller flowering trees, and fruit trees.

Residents can register at the Yard Tree Giveaway Program website or by calling 215-683-0217.

TreePhilly connects Philadelphia property owners, businesses, and neighbors with the resources they need to plant and care for trees. To date, TreePhilly has given away 13,000 free yard trees, contributing to Mayor Michael A. Nutter’s goal of reaching 30 percent tree canopy coverage in every Philadelphia neighborhood.

“TreePhilly is an important tool we employ in our pursuit of becoming the greenest city in America,” said Mayor Nutter. “I encourage all Philadelphians who have the capacity to plant and care for a tree – either in their yards or on the street – to register this fall and receive a free tree. Everyone can do something to make our city more livable and more beautiful; consider planting a tree this year.”

“The Fairmount Park Conservancy and Wells Fargo Bank have been great partners of the TreePhilly Yard Tree Giveaway Program,” said Deputy Mayor DiBerardinis. “Their partnership has helped us significantly grow our tree canopy.”

Tree Pick Up

Residents can register to pick up their free yard tree at one of the giveaway events across the City in October and November.  The citywide yard tree giveaway events and locations are as follows:

-- October 5: 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. - Zipcar Tree Giveaway workshop (registration required);

-- October 31: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. - West Oak Lane Library (2000 E Washington Lane, 19138);

-- November 1: 12 p.m.-2 p.m. - NKCDC Garden Center (1825 Frankford Avenue, 19125); and

-- November 7: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. - East Falls, McMichael Park (3201-45 Midvale Avenue, 19129).

Participants who pre-register can choose their species upon registration, and detailed information on all species is available at the Yard Tree Giveaway Program website.

Registration is strongly encouraged, but walk-ins will be welcomed at the end of each event while supplies last. Participants will also receive a planting and care demonstration provided by our tree experts, free mulch, and educational materials.

“Wells Fargo is pleased to have sponsored TreePhilly for the past three years, as this program has provided over 13,000 trees to make Philadelphia more attractive and environmentally sound for generations of future Philadelphians,” said Greg Redden, Wells Fargo’s regional president for Greater Philadelphia/Delaware. “TreePhilly aligns with our commitment to environmental stewardship and will further the vision of Philadelphia’s founding father, William Penn, of Philadelphia as a ‘greene country towne.”

Kathryn Ott Lovell, Executive Director of the Fairmount Park Conservancy, said, “We have seen great success in engaging Philadelphians to plant and care for trees as part of the TreePhilly program and Wells Fargo has been an extraordinary corporate partner. The Fairmount Park Conservancy is truly grateful for their three years of support – an example of how successful public-private partnerships can be.”

Yard Tree Grants/Events

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation also announced the winners of its Fall 2015 Community Yard Tree Giveaway Grants. In addition to the four citywide giveaway events listed above, the following community groups will host yard tree events in their neighborhoods this fall.

Grantees will receive either 50 or 100 trees from TreePhilly as well as mulch, event support, and a $500 grant.

-- October 10 – Bella Vista Neighbors Association, Bel Arbor Tree Tenders, Hawthorne Empowerment Coalition, Queen Village Neighbors Association (Bella Vista);

-- October 11 – Mayfair Business Association, Mayfair Civic Association, Grey Lodge Pub, Mayfair CDC (Mayfair);

-- October 13 & October 15 – Nueva Esperanza, Northeast Treatment Centers (Hunting Park);

-- October 17 – John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, Eastwick Friends & Neighbors Coalition, Friends of Heinz Wildlife Refuge, Audubon Pennsylvania (Kingessing);

-- October 24 – Tacony CDC, Free Library of Philadelphia-Tacony Branch, Tacony Civic Association (Tacony);

-- November 14 – People’s Emergency Center and Drexel University Dornsife Center (West Philadelphia); and

-- November 14 – Associated Polish Home (Torresdale).

Residents with limited mobility can apply for free tree delivery and planting. Space for this service is limited and residents are encouraged to apply early by contacting TreePhilly at 215-683-0217.

There are several ways citizens can get involved with TreePhilly, including planting and caring for trees on their property, volunteering for a tree planting event in their local park, or sponsoring community service days to plant and maintain trees.

For more information, citizens can visit the TreePhilly Yard Tree Giveaways website or call 215-683-0217.

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