Richmond Tree Stewards Offering Free Trees through Community Roots Program

From our Partner, Richmond Tree Stewards:

Community Roots – Let’s Plant Some Trees!

Community Groups Project –  free trees to community groups.

A community group is defined as any non-profit organization, public school, private school, house of worship, or volunteer group that cares for spaces such as public parks. Properties must be in the City of Richmond. The group must complete an application; these will be made available on May 15^th, 2018. A certified Tree Steward will contact and meet with the applicant on site to discuss the project.  Applicants will be notified soon after the application deadline in August if their project can be funded. Application can be found here.

Applicants whose projects are accepted will:  

• Work with their Tree Steward contact to arrange a date for the planting.
• Organize the planting and recruit volunteers.
• Obtain supplies – mulch, tools, etc.
• Ensure that trees are watered during the first two growing seasons.

Tree Stewards will:

• Assist with selecting species appropriate to your site.
• Provide guidance for proper planting and care.
• Provide trees for projects that are approved.
• Provide a checklist for planning your project.
• Be with you on planting day.

Homeowner Trees Project –  free trees to homeowners.

Homeowners in the City of Richmond will receive free a limited number of trees (2 or 3 depending on availability) from our gravel beds. These young trees are obtained from the Virginia Department of Forestry in late winter and placed in the gravel bed, where they are watered by drip irrigation and monitored closely during the spring and summer. They are small and don’t seem to grow much while in the gravel bed, but they develop a great root system down below. As a result, you get trees with small fibrous roots that are ready to take up water when planted and thus will suffer less transplant shock and are more likely to survive after planting.

• Trees are available in October; dates and times to be announced.
• Trees are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• You must visit our gravel beds to get a tree and while you are there, we will gladly provide planting and tree care information!