City Council renews sponsorship of Front Yard Tree Program
Up to 40 trees to be planted by Brookhaven and Trees Atlanta
Brookhaven, GA, Oct. 19, 2021 – Back by popular demand, Brookhaven is once again partnering with Trees Atlanta to sponsor the Front Yard Tree Program.
In this partnership, Trees Atlanta will plant up to 40 trees (max. 2 per household) in the front yards of Brookhaven residents. Homeowners can choose one of six varieties of oak; Tupelo, River birch, Tulip poplar, American sycamore or Bald cypress, all between six and eight feet in height. Trees Atlanta will plant the tree and provide the initial mulching and watering and include a two-year replacement guarantee.
“We all recognize that shade trees enhance Brookhaven’s tree canopy, which in turn enhances Brookhaven’s quality of life,” said Mayor John Ernst. “Last year, residents rushed within days to take advantage of this program, and we believe enthusiasm will be the same if not greater this year. People need to act fast, however, because participation is once again on a first come, first served basis.”
Beginning immediately, residents can apply at www.treesatlanta.org/yardtree and select “Brookhaven,” while quantities last.
A new feature to this year’s program is the elimination of the application fees, so there is no cost to Brookhaven residents.
After the application is completed online, a representative from Trees Atlanta will contact the homeowner to discuss the appropriate species and location of the tree, usually within 5-7 business days after the request is made. The actual planting of the trees will likely take place between October 2021 and March of 2022. As part of the participation agreement, the resident agrees to water the trees roughly every 10 days for the first year and to call Trees Atlanta if the tree shows signs of stress, needs staking, or there are any other issues with the tree.
All trees must be planted in the front yard at least five feet away and no more than 35 feet from the front property line to ensure they provide a public benefit. This will ensure the new trees are visible from and provide shade for the streets and sidewalks.
Trees Atlanta will schedule volunteer planting projects in neighborhoods in Brookhaven so that others can learn how to properly plant and maintain trees on their own property. Residents can register to volunteer with Trees Atlanta at: www.treesatlanta.org/calendar.
In addition, Brookhaven is a Partner City in the One Million Trees Initiative by City Council resolution, one of 10 "founding partner cities". Together, these 10 cities and 10 Atlanta-based conservation nonprofits are collaborating to plant and to conserve one million trees in metro Atlanta by 2030.
“Brookhaven’s inaugural program was very well received last year and applauded by the community,” noted City Arborist Jeff Dadisman, “Support of this program once again shows that the City of Brookhaven continues to make tree and greenspace preservation a priority.”
