Edmond residents can sign up to foster tree

EDMOND — The Edmond Urban Forestry Department has more than 60 trees available through the Foster-A-Tree program.

Any resident living within Edmond city limits on a publicly maintained street can sign up to have a tree planted in the street right of way adjacent to their property.

Trees are limited to one per residence, but neighborhood associations may receive up to five. People who have received a tree through the program in the past must have completed their twoyear Foster-A-Tree Agreement before signing up for another tree.

Registration is open now online at http://edmondok.com/foster and will remain open for Edmond residents until all trees have been claimed. Each tree will be selected from a list of available species, and it will be planted by the Urban Forestry Department at no cost to the resident.

Eligibility for the program depends on available planting space in the right of way and a commitment to watering for two years and protecting the tree from unnecessary harm. Participants will receive an irrigation bag for quick and effective watering, plus a Foster-A-Tree Maintenance Guide that outlines the basic maintenance guidelines expected of participants.

Trees will be planted periodically in small groups throughout the dormant season. After March, tree plantings will cease until October.

Trees contribute to increased property values, pollution removal, energy savings, reduced stormwater runoff and improved human health, a news release stated.