The Cincinnati Parks Fall ReLeaf program is giving away free trees for people to plant in their yards this fall — as long as the planting site is within Cincinnati city limits and it's not between a street and sidewalk. Tree recipients do, however, need to pick up their own plants; trees will not be delivered to you.
Applications to request a tree open Aug. 1. And, new this year, Cincinnati Parks is permitting backyard planting.
"Property owners typically have more space in their backyards, which means more space for larger canopy trees. Allowing backyard planting will increase the amount of canopy trees on private property across Cincinnati. More trees equals a healthier city, so let's get to planting," says Cincinnati Parks.
Here's the 2020 ReLeaf Tree Selection Sheet with the types of trees you can request, like a sugar maple, eastern redbud, white oak or pecan. Fill out an application for one at cincinnatiparks.regfox.com.
According to the site, "Because of the benefits that trees provide, the Cincinnati Park Board’s Urban Forestry Division works diligently to bring each residential neighborhood up to 40% tree canopy coverage." The ReLeaf Program was established in 1988 and has since provided nearly 20,000 trees to homeowners.
This year's sponsors are MadTree Brewing and the Cincinnati Parks Foundation. MadTree says their Oakley neighborhood is below the 40% canopy coverage goal, and that the brewery also embraces their namesake by being members of 1% for the Planet, honoring a "commitment to donate 1% of sales to nonprofits focused on environmental sustainability."
Learn more about Cincinnati Parks ReLeaf Program at cincinnatiparksfoundation.org.
