NeighborWoods Program Gives Free Trees To Residents

SANDY SPRINGS, GA — The city of Sandy Springs is making use of an innovative program to sustain its tree canopy. The City Council at its Sept. 3 meeting approved adopting the NeighborWoods program, an initiative that provides free trees for residents to plant on their properties.

The program will be conducted in partnership with Trees Atlanta, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting the metro Atlanta area’s urban forest through planting, conserving and educating. Under the NeighborWoods program, residents can apply to receive up to three shade trees to plant in the front yard of their homes, within 35 feet of the right-of-way.

There is no cost to the homeowner for the trees, but maintenance will fall on that person's shoulders. Trees must be planted between October and March.

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"There is no question that trees and our tree canopy provide important benefits to the community in the areas of energy conservation, air quality, and beautification," Mayor Rusty Paul said. "That is why we included an action plan within the Next Ten. Through the NeighborWoods program we can expand our green reach, working with neighborhoods to expand our canopy."

Sandy Springs has set aside $50,000 for initial plantings, with each tree estimated to cost $250 for a 15-gallon tree, inclusive of a one-on-one consultation with a Trees Atlanta staff member, planting, pruning, and pest/fertilizer treatment as necessary. Funding will come from the Sandy Springs Tree Fund.

NeighborWoods seeks to expand the tree canopy through planting and maintenance, promoting the value of trees, as well as strengthening ties between communities, and developing advocates who can assist with education and planting programs. Sandy Springs residents who want to participate can apply by clicking here for the request form.

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