Bellevue's Tree Canopy Gets A Boost From Community Giveaway

BELLEVUE, WA — Bellevue's summer tree giveaway was so popular that the city fielded more requests than it had the supply for, and volunteers will be out helping to deliver the saplings to their new homes this weekend. According to the city, more than 700 trees are headed to residents and community organizations who claimed them through August via the Trees for Bellevue program.

The giveaways are possible with support from the King Conservation District and the group 300 Trees and envisioned to carry the city to its goal of a 40 percent tree canopy by 2050, helping Bellevue best live up to its reputation as "the city in a park." Succeeding will require an estimated 75,000 new trees.

"People who live near trees generally experience less stress, have lower prevalence of certain health conditions and mental illness, do better in school and have more community connections, among many other benefits," the city wrote Friday. "As a way to ensure all communities have the chance to receive these benefits, Bellevue uses a national Tree Equity Score to provide equitable outreach with tree education and planting campaigns and prioritize neighborhoods with lower tree canopy."

For those who want to lend a hand, there is plenty of room for volunteers to help deliver trees on Saturday and Sunday, and again later in the month for residents who need assitance planting. Neighbors and organizations that missed out on the August giveaway can find more options on the program's website, and 300 Trees usually hosts another giveaway in the spring.