Tree Planting Committee

Mission

Increase tree cover and share knowledge concerning tree care and how to remove dead or dangerous trees within our boundaries.

CCRA provides assistance to the Friends of Schuylkill River Park Tree Tenders (“FSRP”) by helping to gather tree planting volunteers and by finding residents, and businesses, who want trees planted in their sidewalks. This program is part of the Plant One Million program, an ambitious multi-state tree-planting campaign in 13 counties in southeastern Pennsylvania and parts of New Jersey and Delaware. FSRP plants between Broad Street and the Schuylkill River and between South and Walnut Streets.

Get a Sidewalk Tree planted

Property owners must take down dead trees. Additionally, tree stumps in empty tree pits often require grinding in order to make room for the new tree. Those costs are on the property owner. We can provide the names of arborists who fell trees and grind stumps. If you do not have a sidewalk tree pit, cutting one open is included in the application at no cost to the property owner.

There is also no cost for the tree itself or for the planting although donations are gladly received to help underwrite the program. Funds are directed to the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, one of the Plant One Million program’s gracious underwriters. Please inquire how to donate!

Tree applications are typically due by mid-May for a Fall planting, and by mid-November for a Spring planting. Completed applications may be faxed to 215.525.4428 or emailed to FSRP at fsrptreetenders@phillyparks.org.

Applications must be signed by property owners. Most tree applications are accepted, but it depends on site conditions and other criteria.

Volunteer to Plant Sidewalk Trees

The number of trees that FSRP can plant is limited by the number of volunteer planters. It’s simple and it’s fun to plant trees. Please ask how to become a volunteer!

Get a Yard Tree Planted

Alternatively, you may make applications for free private yard trees to TreePhilly, a program of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. You plant your own tree with this program.

Contact
trees@centercityresidents.org