Arlington LEAF Program Offers Free Trees to Residents

The city of Arlington, Texas, is offering free trees to Arlington residents through the LEAF (Let's Enhance Arlington's Forest) program. This is a special round of the LEAF program in which individuals can apply for and receive trees on their own, rather than having to meet the usual LEAF program requirements of 10 neighborhood participants.

The city's goal is to plant 2,010 trees in the 100 days leading up to the NBA All-Star Game, which is being held in Arlington on February 14, 2010.

The LEAF program is designed to increase the canopy cover in the city of Arlington by giving homeowners and businesses free trees to plant. Each participant can receive two 10-gallon trees from a list of 10 approved species. The free trees are about eight to 12 feet tall, and are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Approved tree species in the LEAF Program are:

Bald Cypress

Bur Oak

Cedar Elm

Chinquapin Oak

Desert Willow

Eve's Necklace

Live Oak

Mexican Buckeye

Texas Red Oak

Texas Redbud

Because the trees available through the LEAF program are natives and/or have a proven track record of good growth in the area, there is a high probability that the trees will do well once planted; however, recipients are required to sign a two year "Commitment of Care" contract as well. City Forestry employees will visit each home to determine the best tree species for that particular location before delivering the trees, and will perform annual checkups to guarantee that they're being well cared for.

Once the tree request has been approved, the city delivers the trees to approved homes, and provides tips for care and maintenance; the homeowner is responsible for the actual planting of the tree.

The LEAF program benefits both the city and the new tree owners. In addition to beautifying homes and neighborhoods, trees also provide environmental and economic benefits: the increased use of trees in landscaping reduces grass space, thereby reducing watering and mowing needs.

By providing shade, trees help reduce cooling costs in the summer-a major benefit in Texas, where temperatures are often above the 100-degree mark. In winter, they can break up winds, which helps with heating costs.

Trees also provide environmental benefits: they absorb solar radiation, resulting in cleaner air, and they decrease storm water drain off, resulting in cleaner water.

If you're an Arlington resident and would like to apply for a tree-or two-through the LEAF program, you must fill out an application. More information about the LEAF Program can be found on the City of Arlington website, or by calling the forestry department at 817-275-7041.

Arlington, Texas is one of more than 3,000 Tree City, USA cities across the United States. Tree City USA is a program sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation that provides "direction, technical assistance, public attention, and national recognition for urban and community forestry programs."

Source:

City of Arlington

Arbor Day Foundation