2014 Spring Neighborhood Tree Grant Planting

2014 Spring Neighborhood Tree Grant Planting

Photo: On an amazing spring Saturday morning, May 3, 2014, the RNeighborWoods team helped the Knotting Hill Lane NW neighborhood plant their 25 trees, thanks to a well-deserved Neighborhood Tree Grant.

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At RNeighbors, we know that trees make good neighbors. That is why we partner with the City of Rochester, the Park and Rec Department, Herring Ecologistics, MN Conservation Corps, and Rochester Public Utilities to offer the RNeighborWoods Tree grant for a winning neighborhood to receive free boulevard trees in the spring and fall. Check out all of the sponsors who help us make this effort possible.

Thanks to over 50 neighbors, 25 trees have found homes in this NW neighborhoods boulevards. The North Park neighbors applied for the Neighborhood Tree Grant stating that their boulevards were pretty sparse and neighbors wanted to plant trees but were unsure of how to tackle the job. Trees planted included Ginkgo, Kentucky Coffee Tree, Disease Resistant Elm.

“One on of the best days of the spring so far, RNeighborWoods and the City of Rochester helped us to plant 25 trees in our North Park neighborhood which had very few trees.  With the help of volunteers and neighbors, we came together to beautify our neighborhood, enjoying every step of the way.  The excitement and interest in making our neighborhood better was in everyone’s hearts – kids and adults alike. We are all excited to see how the trees grow and change, bringing new life and a new look to our neighborhood!  A huge thank you to all who made this a success,” said Rachel Fuhrmeister from the neighborhood.

Neighborhood Tree Grant winners had to ensure:

  • At least 30 neighbors and one Citizen Forester will be available to help with the planting. RNeighborWoods will oversee the planting.
  • There must be a core planning group of four neighbors who commit to taking an active role in the planting planning.
  • Planting date must take place on Saturday, May 3.
  • Neighbors will commit to watering the trees for three full years.
  • Boulevard tree recipients must understand that there are times when trees do not survive. There will not be replacement trees for trees that die.

The neighborhood received 25 trees paid for by Rochester Public Utilities.

The purpose of the RNeighborWoods Tree grant is to encourage the planting of trees on neighborhood boulevards. RNeighborWoods recognizes the importance and value of trees in Rochester neighborhoods. Trees provide numerous environmental benefits such as lower crime, cleaner air, energy savings, more public revenue, higher property values, and more efficient stormwater management.

The Neighborhood Tree Grant is offered in the spring and the fall. Be on the lookout (about March) for another tree grant opportunity.

To see photos of the North Park neighborhood planting see our Facebook page.

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