Psst. Hey buddy, want a free tree?

Friends of Trees nears 50,000th planting, mostly in rights of way

On a recent Saturday morning, which alternated between sunshine and wind-blown rain, Kristin Jost planted a free tree in the front yard of her house on Southeast Brooklyn Street and maybe made a neighborhood friend or two.

Jost and husband Branden Jost have lived in their Powellhurst-Gilbert house for seven years, and theyve thought about planting a tree or two out front. But both work full-time, and then there are daughters Julia and Katie, 3 1/2 and 2 years old, respectively.

Theres just no time, and money became a big part of it. Trees arent cheap, Jost says.

In September, a Friends of Trees canvasser knocked on the Josts door and offered a deal. The four or five feet of their front yard closest to the street was public right of way, Kristin was told. In most city neighborhoods, that right of way is defined by a planting strip between the street and the sidewalk, but even without a planting strip, the city retains control.

The Josts were told that as part of a citywide initiative to plant trees in the public right of way they could get a free tree and, in January, join a crew of volunteers going house to house planting the free trees in their neighborhood.

Jost also was given information about the value of street trees. First, they absorb stormwater. They also provide needed summer shade and habitat for birds and squirrels. In addition, studies have shown that on streets with big tree canopies overhead, a tunnel effect induces drivers to slow down.

Jost chose a black tupelo in November, when Friends of Trees showed her a list of trees that would thrive in her space. She liked the description of its black bark and orange and red autumn foliage, and the fact that tupelos are drought-resistant, so their tree shouldnt require too much care and feeding.

On Saturday, Sheila Grayson joined in as well. Shes only been in her house for a year and especially liked the volunteer activity that allowed her to meet more Powellhurst-Gilbert residents. She was a little puzzled that more of her neighbors on Southeast 111th Avenue didnt take up Friends of Trees on their offer. She said virtually none of the houses on her long street currently had trees near the road, and all her neighbors had been given the same offer as she, but none had said yes.

Im getting a $180 free tree, she said. Who wouldnt want to live on a tree-lined street?

More here:
Psst. Hey buddy, want a free tree?