Imagine a town crier standing on a street corner, proclaiming to the people of Portland: “Free trees, get ‘yer free tree-ees.” The town crier part is wishful thinking, but the free trees are real — and Portland Parks and Recreation is giving away a small forest’s worth.
For six years now, the city’s Urban Forestry department has distributed young trees to residents through the Yard Tree Giveaway . To date, the annual program has bequeathed 5,000+ trees to Portlanders, free of charge.
This year’s program — spread across six community events — will distribute 2,000 trees representing 21 species . People living within city limits are eligible for up to two trees to plant on private property. The giveaway events, which are supported by the Parks Local Option Levy , are focused near neighborhoods with the highest temperatures and fewest trees (aka “heat islands ”) in the hopes of increasing tree canopy.
After registering online , people can choose the best time to pick up their trees, mulch, and watering bucket at one of the three remaining Saturday events between Oct. 15-Nov. 5.