Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PP&R), in partnership with the Fairmount Park Conservancy and Wells Fargo, announced today that registration for the Spring 2015 TreePhilly Yard Tree Giveaways is now open. Starting today through Wednesday, April 1st, 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.
Current and past registrants can also enter the new Refer-A-Friend raffle for a chance to win a $100 gift card to the Apple store. The new participant simply has to enter the name of the person who referred them upon registration. (New participant must actually pick up their tree to be entered.)
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 11,500 free yard trees, contributing to Mayor Nutter’s goal of reaching 30% tree canopy coverage in each Philadelphia neighborhood.
“TreePhilly is an important tool we employ in our pursuit of becoming the greenest city in America,” said Mayor Michael A. 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 spring and receive a free tree. Everyone can do something to make our city more livable and more beautiful; consider planting a tree this year.”
“I want to thank our partners The Fairmount Park Conservancy and Wells Fargo Bank for their continued partnership and support of the TreePhilly program,” said Deputy Mayor Michael Diberadinis. “ I also want to thank all the community organizations that have been working with us the past four years to help promote the TreePhilly yard tree give program. Their grassroots support has helped us reach many more people then we could have on our own”.
Residents can register to pick up their free yard tree at one of three (3) special giveaway events across the City in April (see sites and dates below). Participants who pre-register can choose their species upon registration, and detailed information on all available species is available at www.treephilly.org. 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.
“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 support both last year and this year – an example of how successful public-private partnerships can be,” said Kathryn Ott Lovell, Executive Director of the Fairmount Park Conservancy.
