Are native trees ever offered to homeowners free of charge (or available for purchase at discounted prices)?
Answer
Please read the following FAQ and note the information for Bucks County residents. The tree offerings described below include native trees.
There are several options for planting trees in your yard:
- Do it yourself. Find a retail outlet near you that sells trees and read the Homeowner's guide to choosing trees (link below).Watch PHS videos to guide you through the planting process. (links below)
- Hire a private landscape contractor.
- Attend Tree Tenders training (link below) or connect with tree stewards in your area.
Philadelphia Residents
Residents of Philadelphia should enroll in PHS’s Tree Tenders training class. Not only will you learn how to plant trees, but you will discover how to organize tree plantings to benefit your community. See Tree Tenders link below for dates of upcoming session.
It is likely that a Tree Tenders group is active in your neighborhood. To learn more and get involved, view the link below for the Tree Tenders interactive map.
Once synched up with other tree stewards, you may be eligible to apply for the TreeVitalize Tree Planting Program for Street Trees. This Philadelphia-focused initiative supports neighborhood volunteers by supplying trees and services. Twice a year organizations and groups that are willing and able to plant at least 10 trees are invited to apply. Anyone can apply for Yard Trees through the TreePhilly program. Click here to learn more.
Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery County Residents
Residents of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties should enroll in PHS’s Tree Tenders training class. Not only will you learn how to plant trees, but you will discover how to organize tree plantings to benefit your community. See Tree Tenders link below for dates of upcoming session.
It is likely that a Tree Tenders group is active in your neighborhood. To learn more and get involved, view the link below to the Tree Tenders interactive map. Once you become part of a tree planting group, you can jointly apply for the TreeVitalize Municipalities subsidized bare-root tree offer. This program involves a co-pay that ranges from about $35-50 per tree (which includes the cost of a 12-15 foot tree plus two stakes and two ties). For more information, email bvanclief@pennhort.org.
If you live beyond these counties in Pennsylvania, complete the one-day Tree Tenders Metros training in order to successfully apply for TreeVitalize trees. Visit the TreeVitalize website (link below) for dates.
Delaware and New Jersey Residents
Residents of Delaware should look into The Delaware Center for Horticulture. New Jersey residents should contact the New Jersey Tree Foundation.See links below.