Did you know that you can request a free tree planting from the City of Chicago?
The City of Chicago launched the Our Roots Chicago project to expand the tree canopy in Chicago by planting 75,000 new trees throughout the city. Through that program, you can request a tree anywhere on the public parkway free of charge by submitting a tree planting request through 311.
The Many Benefits of Trees
For the Environment
Trees are one of the easiest ways to make a positive impact on our environment. Trees absorb carbon, which lessens the impacts of climate change and reduces pollution.
Because trees also reduce air and surface temperatures, they combat urban heat islands, and make the air cooler for everyone.
Trees also decrease soil erosion, and absorb stormwater to help prevent flooding. They also help improve local biodiversity by providing homes for birds, small animals, and pollinator insects.
For the Community
Trees provide shade and cooler air for the neighborhood––along with improving air quality, which makes for healthier communities.
Having trees on or near your property can reduce energy bills, by providing shade and blocking harsh winter winds. They’ve also been shown to increase property values, and improve business districts by increasing foot traffic.
Trees are also great for physical and mental health: they promote physical activity, since people are more likely to walk in neighborhoods and parks with more trees, and they’ve been shown to reduce stress and anxiety.
For more on the benefits of trees, check out the video below!
How to Request a (Free!) Tree in Your Neighborhood
To request a parkway tree in your neighborhood, call 311, request through the 311 website or the CHI311 app!
Once your request is received, your planting site will be investigated by staff at the Bureau of Forestry to determine the best location for the tree. The Bureau of Forestry works to maintain 5 feet between a tree and any underground utility (e.g. gas, water, or electric). While a tree planted over a utiilty will not harm it, placing a tree too close to a utility risks having to remove the tree later if contractors need to access the utilities.
The Street Tree Planting Program begins on April 1st and ends. If you request a new tree planting this year, it will likely not be done until next tree planting season.
We encourage you to take a walk around your neighborhood and request a tree through 311!