RNeighborWoods Tree Grant

Trees make good neighbors.Since 2006, the RNeighborWoods group has planted 200 seedlings and 338 ball-in-burlap trees in Rochester. This fall the City of Rochester and RNeighbors is offering a grant for winning neighborhood(s) to receive free boulevard trees.

Announcing the RNeighborWoods Tree Grant!

We have 30 trees that will all be planted in deserving neighborhoods. Tell us your story and make a case for why your neighborhood is deserving of this grant. All registered Neighborhood Associations in Rochester are eligible to apply for this grant. Applications can be filled out online and will be accepted through Monday, September 24, at 5 pm. Neighborhoods can choose how many trees they would like to be planted, up to 30.

Tree varieties available have been selected by Jacob Ryg, City Forester, and include Accolade Elm, Amur Maackia, Hackberry, Kentucky Coffeetree, and Ginkgo. For spaces under power lines, the appropriate variety will be chosen that will not need to be cut back.

Each application must ensure:

• At least 30 neighbors and one Citizen Forester will be available to help with the planting. The City Forester will oversee the planting.
• Planting date must take place during the week of October 15-19, 2007.
• Neighbors will commit to watering the trees for three full years.

The purpose of the RNeighborWoods Tree grant 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 RNeighborWoods committee will evaluate applications and make decisions at their meeting on September 25. Winners will be notified and posted on the RNeighbors website by October 1.

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