Community members can get free trees for their neighborhood through the Tree Fund, a program of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods. It is an easy way for residents to beautify their neighborhood and help the environment, while connecting with their neighbors.

Groups of neighbors from at least five households living on a street or block can request from 10 to 40 trees per project. In addition, every participating household can have a fruit tree for their own yard. Information on how to organize your neighborhood, the selections of trees, as well as the application form, can be found at www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/nmf/treefund.htm. Deadline for applications is August 16.

This is the 15th year that Seattle Department of Neighborhoods is providing free trees through the Neighborhood Matching Fund’s Tree Fund program. Through the Fund, Seattle residents have planted more than 20,000 trees and built stronger community connections along the way. With the present tree cover at 23 percent, the goal of the Tree Fund is to help increase the percentage to 30 and promote a clean and green environment for Seattle’s streets. For questions or additional information, contact Judy Brown, Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, at 206.684.0714.

In addition, for residents who live in specific neighborhoods within southwest and southeast Seattle, Seattle reLeaf is providing free trees through the City’s 2010 Trees for Neighborhoods program. To learn more, visit www.seattle.gov/trees/treesforneighborhoods.htm.