Free street trees offered on first-come, first-serve basis | News

Below is a news release from the city of Coeur d'Alene:

The City of Coeur d'Alene has announced the availability of free street trees for new neighborhoods. The trees are available to homeowners or residents who are willing to provide care for the young street trees.  Interested residents should contact the Urban Forestry division of the Coeur d'Alene Parks Department to sign up for a street tree.  There are a limited number of trees and they will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Funding for the trees has come from a street tree fee collected on residential building permits.  The owners of the homes whose street tree fees have been forfeited are the first choice for using these funds.  The city has already contacted those property owners regarding the planting program.  However, there are still some trees unclaimed.  These street trees are now being offered to any homeowner who is willing to make sure the trees are watered and protected from string trimmers and mowers.

The tree species still available are honeylocust, London planetree, white ash, and black tupelo.  The trees will be planted by contract tree planting crews in May.  Since there are a limited number of trees, interested homeowners are encouraged to reply as soon as possible.  More information and a response form are available on-line at www.cdaidparks.org .  You can also send an email to kkosanke@cdaid.org, or call the Urban Forestry division of the Parks Department at 769-2266.