Denver Digs Trees offers residents an in-tree-guing program

Tree huggers, rejoice. The perennial plant is going on sale this spring in hopes of increasing Denver’s foliage.

The Park People, a private nonprofit organization, is offering Denver residents a tree-mendous discount on trees this spring with its Denver Digs Trees program.

Prices range from free to $65. Prices are set based on whether the tree will be planted near the street or in a yard, whether it bears fruit, and the neighborhood. (Hint: If the tree canopy in your neighborhood is thin, you’ll probably qualify for a free tree.)

The deadline to apply is Feb. 15. Last year the “poplar” program planted 1,200 trees, and this year they’re on track to do the same. Residents can still apply after Feb. 15. In fact, Denver Digs Trees executive director Kim Yuan-Farrell encourages it, because if some residents forget to pick up their trees in April, the homeless perennial plants will go to people on the wait list.

Decide where the tree is going to go, pick a species appropriate for the area it will be planted, fill out the application and pay the pocket change.

Once approved, a confirmation letter will be sent to be presented on pickup day, April 21.

“We really try to engage actual Denverites in the process,” YuanFarrell said. “We also really like what it does for stewardship. People are actually getting involved in the planting of their trees.”

Last year, the program celebrated a milestone — 50,000 trees have been planted through the Denver Digs Trees program, which started as a grassroots initiative more than 30 years ago.

Denver Digs Trees is offering eight species of shade trees and two species of ornamental trees provided by two area nurseries. Trees based on location: “‘Street Trees’ are for planting along the street (in the public right-of-way). These trees may be planted either in the area between the sidewalk and the curb (tree lawn) or, in the absence of a tree lawn, 10 feet from the curb. In many cases, the public right-of-way extends into your yard.

“‘Yard Trees’ are for planting in your yard (on private property),” Yuan-Ferrell said. “These trees may be planted in front, back, or side yards. At a site without a ‘tree lawn,’ these are any trees planted 11 feet or more from the curb.”

All street trees are free. Yard trees, not in a target neighborhood, are being offered at $35 per tree, saving residents about $90. There is no cap on how many trees a resident can request. Fruit trees are available at an additional charge.

Denver Digs Trees has identified target neighborhoods with particularly low tree-canopy cover. The select neighborhoods are eligible to pay $10 per tree.

Neighborhoods include Athmar Park, Auraria, Baker, Barnum, Barnum West, Chaffee Park, Clayton, Cole, College View/South Platte, East Colfax, Elyria-Swansea, Five Points, Globeville, Green Valley Ranch, Jefferson Park, Lincoln Park, Mar Lee, Montbello, Northeast Park Hill, Overland, Ruby Hill, Skyland, Sun Valley, Valverde, Villa Park, West Colfax, Westwood and Whittier. Applicants facing financial hardship may request a “Treeship” to receive free yard trees. The elderly and residents with physical limitations can apply to have their trees delivered and planted for them.

Along with their tree, Denver Digs Trees applicants will receive a free bag of mulch.

According to The Park People, 15 percent of Denver’s trees are at risk to be eaten by the emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle. The damage reduces the environmental benefits provided by trees by up to $18.3 million. These benefits include cleaner air and water, absorption and storage of greenhouse gases, flood control, enhanced property value, wildlife habitat, energy conservation and cooling of the urban heat island.

For more information visit theparkpeople.org/What-WeDo/Denver-Digs-Trees.