Sandy Springs Extends NeighborWoods Program

SANDY SPRINGS, GA — Following a successful pilot year, the City of Sandy Springs is extending its NeighborWoods Project with Trees Atlanta. During its Aug. 20 meeting, the City Council approved a continuation of the Front Yard Tree program, providing free front yard trees to Sandy Springs residents. Trees Atlanta planted 74 trees in Sandy Springs during the pilot year, and will plant up to 200 each year of the agreement.

The NeighborWoods Project with Trees Atlanta is a committed effort by the City to enhance the City’s existing tree canopy and improve neighborhood involvement and sense of ownership in the City’s urban forest. The City hopes to achieve this goal by planting trees in city rights-of-way, city parks, and private parcels through specified projects.

The agreement with Trees Atlanta continues the Front Yard Tree program for five years, with an annual renewal option. The City has allocated up to $50,000 each year in support of the program, with the final total dependent primarily on homeowner demand. In addition, Trees Atlanta will collaborate with the City to plant trees on public property, budgeting up to $50,000 annually for as many as 200 trees planted as part of a Rights-of-Way program. The City will utilize monies from its Tree Fund to support the program. Developers, builders, contractors, homeowners, and others pay into the Tree Fund as a recompense for permitted and illegal removal and destruction of trees within the City.

There is no cost to the homeowner for the trees, but maintenance (primarily watering) will be the homeowner’s responsibility. Residents can apply to receive up to three shade trees for their front yards, provided they are planted within 35 feet of the right-of-way. Trees Atlanta will plant all trees between October and March. Each tree is estimated to cost $250 for a 15-gallon tree, inclusive of one-on-one consultation with a Trees Atlanta staff member, planting, mulching, pruning and pest/fertilizer treatment, as necessary.

Sandy Springs residents who want to participate can apply through Trees Atlanta. More information is available on the City’s website at http://www.sandyspringsga.gov/city-services/natural-resource-protection/trees, or by visiting Trees Atlanta at https://www.treesatlanta.org/2075-2/.