GRANTS PASS – The Fall 2020 application for the Tree Canopy Program is now available. The city has 50 trees for home/landowners at a cost of $50 per tree. The fee includes tree and planting of the tree by city staff. Trees can be planted in front yards or in the public right-of-way in front of properties. The city’s Urban Forester will visit each location to assist with selecting the proper species and placement for each location. Trees will be planted in October and November.
Grants Pass recently received the renowned title of Oregon Tree City of the Year. Such an honor would not have been possible without the help of the community.
For years, citizens here have participated in the city’s tree programs, including the Memorial Tree Program and Tree Canopy Program. Both programs increase the canopy coverage of the city, which brings an impressive array of benefits for everyone to enjoy.
The city’s tree canopy can serve to increase property values, reduce energy consumption, improve physical and mental health, reduce crime, purify particulates and noxious gases from the air, intercept stormwater surges from entering the Rogue River, extend the lifespan of paved surfaces under their shade, reduce street noise, calm traffic, enhance tourism, increase retail revenue, improve beauty, sequester carbon dioxide, and many other benefits.
Whereas the Memorial Tree Program increases the tree canopy of city parks, the Tree Canopy Program increases the canopy of neighborhoods, bringing tree benefits to all areas of Grants Pass.
Home/landowners who take advantage of the Tree Canopy Program will be responsible for watering their trees during the warm growing seasons (typically from May to October), or whenever temperatures are high, and precipitation is low. After three years of watering, most trees will be established and can obtain water on their own. The city will replace a tree if it dies within the first year, so long as water was provided.
Due to limited supply residents are encouraged to apply early. Applications and payment are due by Sept. 25. Payment may be made by check, cash, or credit card. Completed applications and payment (to City of Grants Pass) may be mailed to: Tree Canopy Program, 101 NW A Street, Grants Pass, OR, 97526.
Cash payments may be made at City Hall, 2nd floor, Community Development Department. Credit cards can be accepted in person at City Hall or by phone: Community Development Department at (541)450-6060. There is a small processing fee for credit cards.
Available species include Swamp White Oaks (beautiful, long-lived oaks that are drought tolerant and show off their fall color); Accolade Elms (great shade trees that are resistant to many of the pests and diseases that have harmed American Elms); Kentucky Coffee Trees (unique double-compound leaves that appear tropical); Goldenrain Trees (uniquely attractive smaller tree that is suitable for overhead powerlines or other conflicts); and Flowering Dogwoods (beautiful small tree that prefers partial shade and is suitable for areas with overhead powerlines or nearby shade tree canopies).
Applications are available online at: www.grantspassoregon.gov/tree. For additional information email Urban Forester Tony Mecum at tmecum@grantspassoregon.gov, or call (541)450-6162.
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