Shaker Heights Free Front Yard Tree Program

Press release from the City of Shaker Heights:

March 23, 2021

The City's Tree Advisory Board in collaboration with The Heights Tree People is pleased to announce The Free Front Yard Tree Program. The program provides free trees to residents who want to plant a new tree in their front yard.

Heights Tree People is a non-profit volunteer organization working in Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights and University Heights. Over the past several years, it has planted upwards of 300 trees throughout these communities.

Here's how the Free Front Yard Tree Program works:

• Heights Tree People will work with residents to select an appropriate tree species and location in the front yard.
• The resident will arrange to have the gas and water lines marked by the utility company.
• Heights Tree People will order the tree, then plant, mulch and cage (deer protection) the tree.
• Residents will receive instructions for caring for their new tree, including effective watering methods.
• Trees come in 2-5 gallon containers; as noted, there is no charge to residents for this service.

To register for the program, please email Laura Marks, a volunteer with Heights Tree People.

The purpose of the Free Front Yard Tree Program is to help restore and revitalize our tree canopy, while also further beautifying our neighborhoods. In addition, planting trees helps combat climate change, reduces storm water runoff, and brings neighbors together, among many other benefits.

This press release was produced by the City of Shaker Heights. The views expressed here are the author’s own.