Several programs to enhance Tree Canopy in City
Walk through Arlington Park neighborhood and notice lots of huge old live oak trees. Alta Vista neighborhood, not so much... We can change that! Do your part, if you can!
Tree Mitigation Request List
Another way to get a tree is to get on the tree mitigation request list. This is a program where, if a developer is obligated to plant new trees to make amends for removing existing trees, and there is not a good location on the development site, trees can be planted elsewhere in the City... perhaps in your front yard or right-of-way! See City Tree Protection web page for details and how to get yourself on the request list.
Another way to get a tree is to get on the tree mitigation request list. This is a program where, if a developer is obligated to plant new trees to make amends for removing existing trees, and there is not a good location on the development site, trees can be planted elsewhere in the City... perhaps in your front yard or right-of-way! See City Tree Protection web page for details and how to get yourself on the request list.
Mature Tree Canopy pilot program
The City has run several annual rounds of a Mature Tree Pilot Program incentive program See detailed guidelines. You purchase, have professionally installed, and maintain a tree, the City subsidizes. Last round was Feb 2021, first-come, first-serve, 75 slots. See important details in links above.
City Tree Canopy Pilot Program incentive program:
"To continue to grow the urban canopy, the City of Sarasota is supporting a community-driven pilot program offering an incentive up to $500 for residents who plant and maintain a mature tree within program guidelines. Residents will own the tree and are required to invest $100. ...Homeowners will purchase the tree and will be required to water, prune and maintain it. The program focuses on planting mature canopy and understory trees with a minimum 2-inch caliper. Planting is limited to the right of way or within ten feet of the right of way. Participants can select from over two dozen approved species, from pink tabebuia to shady lady to live oak."
"To continue to grow the urban canopy, the City of Sarasota is supporting a community-driven pilot program offering an incentive up to $500 for residents who plant and maintain a mature tree within program guidelines. Residents will own the tree and are required to invest $100. ...Homeowners will purchase the tree and will be required to water, prune and maintain it. The program focuses on planting mature canopy and understory trees with a minimum 2-inch caliper. Planting is limited to the right of way or within ten feet of the right of way. Participants can select from over two dozen approved species, from pink tabebuia to shady lady to live oak."
Annual Community Canopy program, Arbor Day Foundation and City of Sarasota
The Arbor Day Foundation, in conjunction with the City, has provided an annual "free trees for residents" event each October. Details: Herald Tribune Article 10/6/2020:
"The city of Sarasota’s free tree giveaway program, Community Canopy, has returned, with contactless registration and delivery, allowing residents in the city limits to safely receive a free tree during the coronavirus pandemic while helping to expand the urban canopy and reducing energy bills. In partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, the city will provide 250 trees to residents at no cost.
City residents can reserve their free trees at ArborDay.org/Sarasota. On the website, residents can use a calculator tool to estimate the annual energy savings from planting a tree in the most strategic location on their property. Participants are expected to care for the tree and plant it in the location specified by the online tool. Four species of native trees sourced from Florida will be offered: red maple, bald cypress, live oak and sweet bay magnolia. One tree per household can be reserved during the giveaway. Each tree will be delivered to Sarasota residents in a one-gallon container..."
"The city of Sarasota’s free tree giveaway program, Community Canopy, has returned, with contactless registration and delivery, allowing residents in the city limits to safely receive a free tree during the coronavirus pandemic while helping to expand the urban canopy and reducing energy bills. In partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, the city will provide 250 trees to residents at no cost.
City residents can reserve their free trees at ArborDay.org/Sarasota. On the website, residents can use a calculator tool to estimate the annual energy savings from planting a tree in the most strategic location on their property. Participants are expected to care for the tree and plant it in the location specified by the online tool. Four species of native trees sourced from Florida will be offered: red maple, bald cypress, live oak and sweet bay magnolia. One tree per household can be reserved during the giveaway. Each tree will be delivered to Sarasota residents in a one-gallon container..."
Also, watch for the annual Crepe Myrtle tree fundraising sale by the Sarasota Herald Tribune.
