The City of Boise and Treasure Valley Canopy Network are taking additional steps this fall to increase Boise’s tree canopy and encourage residents to take action to improve our environment and combat the negative impacts of climate change. For a limited time, residents can sign up to receive a free tree to plant at their home or private property within city limits. This tree giveaway is being coordinated with the Boise Farmers Market in October.
In all, 500 trees spanning 15 different species will be available for pick up and planting in Boise throughout the month of October – limit one tree per household. This planting opportunity is part of the larger City of Trees Challenge, with the goal of planting 100,000 trees in Boise over the next decade. Fall is the ideal time to add a tree to your front or back yard because cooler temperatures allow the tree to establish roots before spring rain and summer heat stimulates new growth.
“Planting a tree is a lifelong commitment, but watching it grow is gratifying and the long-term benefits are remarkable for homeowners and our city as a whole,” said Boise City Council President Elaine Clegg. “These trees will provide shade and comfort and support clean air and energy conservation for generations to come.”
The 15 tree varieties included in this giveaway have been chosen due to their size and ability to thrive in Boise’s climate. A limited number of each variety is available. Residents interested in receiving one of these trees can reserve their tree through the Boise Farmers Market’s online registration platform starting on Tuesday, September 29. Different tree varieties will be available each week through the market’s reservation system. Please note that these are mature trees, not seedlings, measuring five to seven feet in height. Anyone who reserves a tree should be prepared to bring a truck or vehicle to the market that can accommodate a tree of this size. Delivery is not available at this time.
Pickup times will be coordinated through the Boise Farmers Market during Saturday Drive-Thru hours. The market is located at 1500 Shoreline Drive in Boise. Dates when trees will be available for pick up at the market include the following Saturdays (pre-registration and a reserved time required):
- October 3
- October 10
- October 17
- October 24
- October 31 (dependent on remaining tree availability)
City of Boise and Treasure Valley Canopy Network arborists will be on hand at the market to help residents load up their tree and provide planting and care tips to ensure long term health. The City of Boise’s Curb It compost program will be providing some free compost on site, and there will also be some mulch available from Boise Parks and Recreation’s Community Forestry division while supplies last for residents who take home a tree to plant.
“For every tree planted in Boise, we see clean air and water benefits in addition to reductions in urban heat,” said Coordinator of the Treasure Valley Canopy Network Lance Davisson. “Community support is key in reaching our goal of planting 100,000 trees, and by planting a tree at your home, each Boise resident plays a part in making our city cleaner and healthier.”
To view photos and descriptions of all 15 different tree varieties available as part of this giveaway and to read additional planting information, visit the City of Trees Challenge website. While online, you can learn more about the challenge, sign-up to join the project email list and view the city’s new interactive web-portal to track planting efforts and the environmental benefits of this city initiative.
In addition, Boise residents can contact the city’s Community Forestry division Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with questions or to schedule an at-home tree consultation by calling (208) 608-7700.