https://www.canva.com/design/DACbqwB6GZk/view

Did you know that there are not one, not two, but three programs through which you can get a free street and/or yard tree for your property in Philadelphia? Make use of all of these amazing benefits of trees in your neighborhood that we’ve outlined above in our infographic by signing up for one of the amazing tree planting programs in Philadelphia – Tree Philly, Philadelphia Horticultural Society TreeVitalize, or the Arbor Day Foundation & PECO Energy-Saving Trees.

Programs Offering Free Trees

TreePhilly is a partnership that includes the Fairmount Park Conservancy, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, and TD Bank. A whole host of options are available for street trees through this program, and your choices can be adjusted depending on the size of your street. Don’t be deterred if you live on one of Philadelphia’s many teeny tiny streets! There are many small tree alternatives for those living on narrow streets, or to accommodate power lines. A variety of options are also available for yard trees suitable for all different property sizes. There are large shade trees, smaller varieties, and even fruit trees.

The Philadelphia Horticultural Society’s program is a collaboration between PHS’ Plant One Million endeavor and TreeVitalize. This is a neighborhood volunteer tree planting program that typically happens twice a year, in April and November. PHS provides the trees and any necessary pavement cuts, so there is no need to worry about that.

Also offered through the organization is Tree Tenders. To become a Tree Tender you can take a class that teaches about tree planting, tree care, and community organizing around the importance of trees. Graduates of this class can form Tree Tenders groups which can then organize tree plantings of 10+ trees in a neighborhood.

In collaboration with the Arbor Day Foundation, PECO also offers energy-saving trees. Not only can you get a tree for your property through this avenue, but they also specialize in strategic tree planting specifically geared towards saving energy. According to the foundation, some clients have cut up to 20% off of their summer energy bill.

All three website have a wealth of information about tree planting, how to sign up, and other educational resources. Start making a positive difference in your community by growing Philadelphia’s urban canopy today. If your interest is piqued we definitely recommend heading over to one (or all) of these websites to get started on your own tree adventure!

Figures in the infographic found at CityLab.