Philadelphia – Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) announced that registration for Fall 2016 TreePhilly Yard Tree Giveaways is open. The giveaways, hosted in partnership with the Fairmount Park Conservancy and TD Bank, are open to property owners to obtain and plant up to two free trees in a yard or lawn on private property.  Registration is open through October 30th, and a variety of species are available, including large shade trees, small flowering trees, and fruit trees.

“This season we’re emphasizing that fall is the best time to plant trees in Philadelphia. The cooler weather allows the trees to adapt to the planting site without the threat of scorching heat,” said TreePhilly Program Manager Erica Smith Fichman. “Trees planted in the fall have more time to develop their root systems, and with proper planting and care, they will have a higher survival rate than those planted in the spring.”

TreePhilly connects Philadelphia property owners, businesses, and neighbors with the resources they need to plant and care for trees. TreePhilly’s efforts are in direct response to the City of Philadelphia’s sustainability goal to increase tree canopy coverage to 30% in all neighborhoods, so everyone can benefit from the increased shade, cleaner air and water, and beauty that trees provide. This is the second giveaway season with TD Bank as a three-year sponsor of the TreePhilly program.

“We are so happy to be working with TD Bank as the sponsor of the TreePhilly Program.  I look forward to continuing our partnership to reach even more Philadelphians and to grow our urban forest,” said PPR Commissioner Kathryn Ott Lovell.

Residents can register to pick up their free yard tree at one of four (4) special giveaway events across the City in October and November (sites and dates below). Detailed information on all available species can be found at www.treephilly.org, and participants can choose their species when they register online or over the phone. Registration is strongly encouraged, but walk-ins will be welcomed during each event while supplies last. Participants will also receive a tree planting and care demonstration provided by tree experts, free mulch, and educational materials.

The citywide yard tree giveaway events and locations are as follows:

• Boulevard & Levick TD Bank store (6304 Roosevelt Blvd., 19149), Sat. October 15^th, 10am-12pm
• Whitman TD Bank store (2653 S. 5^th St., 19148), Sat. October 29^th, 10am-12pm
• Roxborough TD Bank store (5501 Ridge Ave., 19128), Sun. October 30^th, 12pm-2pm
• Aramingo TD Bank store (2267 E Butler St., 19137), Sat. November 5^th, 10am-12pm

TreePhilly is also releasing a recently completed progress report, which outlines the program’s achievements from 2012 through 2015. This report shows the geographic distribution of the 11,448 yard trees given away in that time frame, and it sets forth strategies for bringing the program to more neighborhoods in Philadelphia. The report can be viewed online at www.treephilly.org/progress-report.

PPR also announced the winners of the Fall 2016 Community Yard Tree Giveaway Grants. In addition to the four citywide giveaway events listed above, these community groups will host yard tree events in their neighborhoods this fall. Grantees receive either 50 or 100 trees from TreePhilly, as well as a $500 grant. Dates, times, and registration information for these community events will be announced soon and posted on www.treephilly.org.

• John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, Friends of Heinz Wildlife Refuge, Eastwick Friends & Neighbors Coalition, Audubon Pennsylvania
• Passyunk Square Civic Association, East Passyunk Crossing Civic Association, Leafy Streets/ Lomo Civic Association
• The Sudanese American Community in Greater Philadelphia Area
• New Covenant Church of Philadelphia
• The Empowerment Achievement Movement, Inc.

Residents with limited mobility can apply for free tree delivery and planting. Space for this service is limited and residents are encouraged to apply early by contacting Erica Smith Fichman at 215-683-0217 or by visiting www.treephilly.org.

There are several ways citizens can get involved with TreePhilly, including planting and caring for trees on their property, volunteering for a tree planting event in their local park, or sponsoring community service days to plant and maintain trees. For more information, visit www.treephilly.org or call 215-683-0217.