A tree branch is silhouetted in the tree lawn along LaSalle Avenue. South Bend has started a new initiative where the city where plant a free tree in a resident's tree lawn. Tribune Photo/ BECKY MALEWITZ
The South Bend Venues Parks & Arts Forestry Department is offering a new tree giveaway initiative for city residents.
The Community Canopy Tree Program, which began Thursday, gives South Bend residents the opportunity to have a free native Indiana tree planted in their tree lawn.
The program will run twice, from March to May in the spring, and from October through December.
“It’s an important initiative for the public to become involved in something so critical to our health and wellbeing,” said urban forester Brent Thompson. “We will walk each participant through the process, making sure the space is suitable for a tree to thrive for many years to come.”
Residents can learn more and fill out an application at sbvpa.org/community-canopy.
Property owners will need to meet with the a forester to finalize location and tree selection. Applications will be open throughout the year until all 140 trees are taken.
Copyright © 2024, South Bend Tribune