HOW TO ORGANIZE A TREE PLANTING FOR YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD Greenscape of Jacksonville, Inc. is a non-profit organization with a 29-year history of improving the tree canopy of our city. Through a partnership with JEA, known as Green Releaf, Greenscape is able to provide free trees to schools, parks and neighborhood organizations to improve the urban forest. The trees must be planted on public property - that may include utility easements and street medians. Please refer to the Project Review Request. This form must be submitted to Greenscape at least 30 days prior to the desired planting date in order for our Board of Directors to review and approve the project. Before that happens, you need to do some homework. Below are some suggestions to help you get started with a planting project for your neighborhood. 1. Look around your neighborhood. Do you have adequate trees to create the look and feel of a place where residents enjoy the benefits of an urban forest? People need trees, green spaces and especially the wonderful shade that trees create. Trees help draw people out, forge good neighbor relationships and build a sense of community. 2. Talk to your neighbors about the value of trees to where you live. Remind them that trees help prevent soil erosion and aid in stormwater run-off, that they help clean the air, that the shade of trees reduce utility bills, that mature trees increase property values and that trees provide beauty and a habitat for birds and animals. Find out if there are enough others who would like to be a part of a tree-planting day.  3. Once you have determined you have the support of your neighbors, set about making your plan of action. Enlist others to help with selecting the sites for the new trees. Keep in mind that it is important to select the right tree for the right place. Be mindful of the size of the mature tree and where it may be placed. Do not plant potentially large trees under overhead wires or too close to buildings that would eventually restrict the growth of the tree or create a nuisance. Consider the growing conditions. Check the quality of the soil. Is this generally a dry area or is it prone to flooding? What are the light conditions? Direct sun, or shade for prolonged periods make a real difference in how well your trees will grow. Ask for advice to match the right specie for the location. Select a date for your planting that will assure lots of participation from your neighbors. 4. What will be the plan for irrigation for the new trees? Generally speaking newly planted trees need lots of water to get established. Roots grow where there is water. Deep roots come from deep watering. Water a new tree frequently and slowly by letting water from a slow trickle hose soak into the ground for several hours. Be prepared to repeat this once a week, especially during the drought periods. 5. Complete the Project Review Request and submit it to Greenscape. Be sure to include as much information as possible. Your request will be reviewed at the next scheduled meeting of the Board and you will be notified. Project Review Request