Please let us know if you want a tree or shrub.

Why Trees and shrubs? They are wildlife powerhouses, producing nectar, pollen and foliage for declining insect and bird populations.  Trees fight urban heat, capture particulates and release moist oxygen, helping people coping with asthma and high blood pressure.  They encourage residents and passers-by to linger on tree-lined streets, enhancing safety and raising the amount that shoppers spend.  Drivers even slow down on tree-lined streets. By providing shade and moisture, trees  filter stormwater and shield homes from winds. Plus a lot more.

How it works. We will reach out to you to visit your property, and determine when your tree or shrub can be planted. The trees and shrubs are native to the Midwest, and generally are planted in Spring and Fall with help from volunteers. Fall typically is the best time to plant trees because it allows the tree to go dormant before summer heat. Trees are generally in 10 gallon containers, about 4' tall. Shrubs are smaller.

Required:

• The property owner must OK the planting and location.
• Only on personal property - front, back or side yards, not parkways

Residents must agree to:

• Water the trees and shrubs (typically 10-15 gallon/week or 10-20 minutes at a slow drip), especially in hot and/or dry times.
• Protect them from mowers and other damage,
• No pesticides (insecticides or herbicides),
• Leave your leaves as mulch around your trees, but not piled against the trunk (it can rot the trunk) and
• Learn how to care for the trees. Sign our online tree care instructions.

Questions: NaturalHabitat@ClimateActionEvanston.org