Since 2009 Seattle reLeaf has helped Seattle residents plant over 6,300 trees around their homes through the Trees for Neighborhoods project. That’s 6,300 more trees working to clean our air and water, make our streets more walkable, and our neighborhoods healthier!

Summer is the perfect time to start planning for fall planting and Seattle reLeaf is here to help. Through Trees for Neighborhoods, Seattle residents can apply for up to four free trees for their homes. Planting with Seattle reLeaf includes support in choosing the right tree and planting spot, help with street tree permitting, free water bags and mulch for each tree, and training on proper planting and tree care.

This year Seattle reLeaf is offering 12 beautiful species, ranging from small flowering trees great for under power lines like the Southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora ‘Victoria’) to larger evergreen trees like the native shore pine (Pinus contorta var ‘cortorta’) perfect for a larger yard space.

The application period runs from July 18–August 10. All applications submitted by August 10th will be entered into a lottery. Learn more and apply online http://www.seattle.gov/trees/treesforneighborhoods.htm.

Questions? Email [email protected] or call (206) 684-3979

Free Trees for Your Home!

Trees for Neighborhoods helps Seattle residents plant trees around their home. Through the City of Seattle’s Trees for Neighborhoods program, Seattle residents have planted over 4,000 trees since 2009. That’s 4,000 more trees that help clean our air and water, make our streets more walkable, and our neighborhoods safer and healthier. Join the movement this year—plant a tree and help grow Seattle’s urban forest!

The 2014 application season kicks off on Monday, August 4^th. Seattle residents are eligible to apply for up to four free trees to plant in their yards and within their planting strips. Residents who participate also receive free watering bags, training on proper tree planting and care, and workshop opportunities. This year, the program is offering 12 tree species ranging from large native conifers to small deciduous trees appropriate for planting under power lines and along the street. Some favorites this year include Douglas fir, black tupelo, and incense cedar. Check out the complete list and see photos at our website here: http://www.seattle.gov/trees/availabletrees2014.html.

Ready to plant a tree? Visit www.seattle.gov/trees for a list of this year’s tree species and a link to the online application, which will open Monday, August 4^th. Trees go very quickly, so mark your calendar and apply early! All questions about the program should be directed to [email protected] or (206) 684-3979.

The City of Seattle Seeks Tree Lovers!

Do you dream of living in a tree house? Do you eagerly await the first leaf buds in the spring? Do you love to lie on your back and watch branches dancing in the breeze? Does a stroll down a tree-lined street put a smile on your face? You may be a tree lover!

The City of Seattle’s reLeaf program is looking for new Tree Ambassadors. Tree Ambassadors are a valued part of Seattle’s urban forestry network. Tree Ambassadors nurture Seattle’s trees.  Volunteers are trained within a project area and have the opportunity to attend a variety of fun and informative workshops on topics like pruning, tree identification, and community engagement. Tree Ambassadors also get opportunities for unique experiences like learning to climb trees with professional rigging and tours of local botanic treasures. Volunteers who complete a project training get a free t-shirt and name tag.

Seattle reLeaf is currently recruiting new Tree Ambassadors in three project areas:

1. Tree Walks: Show off your favorite trees in your favorite part of Seattle. You’ll learn the basics of making maps, identifying trees, and creating walking routes to engage your neighbors and coworkers in the urban landscape. Check out the tree walks created by current Tree Ambassadors here!

Next training: Wednesday, March 12; 5:30pm-8pm (dinner included) and Saturday, March 15; 9am-1pm (lunch included). Training will be held downtown at Forterra’s office, 901 5^th Ave.

 2.  Landscape Renewal:  Does seeing a tree choked by ivy drive you crazy? This project track is for you. This project track will teach you to plan and organize small-scale renovation projects. Renovation work includes removing invasive plants, planting trees and understory plants, and mulching. You’ll learn how to develop a plan, recruit volunteers, and lead work parties.

Next training: Wednesday, April 2; 5:30pm-8pm (dinner included) and Saturday, April 5; 9am-1pm (lunch included)

3. Street Tree Stewardship: Never fear young street trees, the Tree Ambassadors are here! Volunteers in this project area adopt street tree plantings and help the City’s young street trees thrive. Tree Ambassadors learn to plan work parties and recruit volunteers to mulch, weed, and care for the trees that are essential to making Seattle’s neighborhoods walkable, sustainable, beautiful, and healthy.

Next training: Saturday, May 17; 10am-3pm (lunch included)

 Tree lovers wanted! No previous tree experience is necessary for any of these project areas. If you are interested in learning more or applying to become a Tree Ambassador, please visit the website at www.seattle.gov/trees. Please contact Seattle reLeaf with any questions about the program or application at [email protected] or (206) 615-1668.