Free Trees Offered to All Denver Residents This Spring

Applications Due Feb.15, 2012

Denver, CO- This spring only, all Denver residents are eligible for free trees regardless of where they live within the city. All Denver areas including but not limited to City Park, Washington Park, Highlands, LOHI, and Sloans Lake. This rare opportunity is made possible by two different tree distribution programs: The Park People’s annual Denver Digs Trees street tree program and the City’s Mile High Million tree planting initiative.

The Park People’s Paige Heydon says, “We’re thrilled to be part of this exciting partnership that is sure to add thousands of trees to Denver neighborhoods across the city.” She goes on to say, “The trees are being offered at no cost. It’s a win for the city’s urban forest and a win for Denver residents.

Any City and County resident of Denver can apply for free trees to plant along the street in the public right of way. Those who have space for trees on the west side of their homes in front, back, or side yards along the street are eligible to have trees ordered and planted for them.

According to Sara Davis, the program Manager for Denver Parks and Recreation’s Mile High Million Program, trees planted on the west side of houses not only offer wonderful shade, they also reduce energy consumption, “With that in mind, we are happy to offer the trees and the planting free of charge.

Availability will be limited, so apply no later than February 15, 2012. Visit www.theparkpeople.org or call 303-722-6262 for application information.

Denver’s City Forester Rob Davis says, “Trees beautify neighborhoods, improve property values, provide environmental services, and support good health by encouraging people to spend time outdoors. This is a great opportunity for Denver residents to enhance their neighborhoods.”

The Denver Digs Trees program is able to offer free street trees to all Denver residents this spring thanks to a partnership with Denver Parks and Recreation Forestry Division and the sponsorship of Xcel Energy Foundation and the City of Denver’s Office of Economic Development. The Mile High Million’s Trees for Energy Savings program is made possible with funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.