Donations
The Forestry Program offers a program in which select unwanted trees can be donated to the Parks system.
This is done at no cost to the donor. Additionally, we can help you commemorate a loved one by planting a tree
in a park of your choice.
When a tree on your property is no longer growing in a desirable location, or if that tree is beginning to
crowd out more important plants, you may want to consider donating that tree to a park. We inspect each plant
to determine quality and chances for successful survival. Once the plant is deemed a suitable candidate, you
may choose the park into which it is placed. This is done at no cost to you. You may even wish to use this as
a commemorative tree planting!
Commemorative trees
Commemorative tree planting at
Sanborn ParkIn the spirit of Arbor Day, the Greeley Forestry Program offers a program to provide
trees as living monuments for citizens and businesses. This program is a unique way to commemorate a special
event such as a marriage or the birth of a child or grandchild. A tree can be dedicated to honor an
anniversary, recognize a milestone in your business or a special employee, or as a memorial to a deceased
friend or relative. An organization may wish to simply donate trees for the betterment of a park and the
community. All city parks are available for this program. Commemorative trees are special park trees and will
receive yearly inspections and extra, individual attention in care and maintenance. Replacement is guaranteed
if the tree dies.
Each commemoration is entered in the permanent MEMORIAL TREE PROGRAM record book
located at the Greeley Forestry office and on a brass plaque located in the Greeley Recreation Center. A
certificate will be issued to the donor with a map showing the location of the planting. Additional
notification cards may be sent as requested.
Donations
1. Plants offered as a donation to the City are inspected for suitability (variety, condition, location, size) before being accepted. Types generally accepted include most deciduous trees, conifers, some shrubs (not
junipers), perennials, and bulbs.
2. Upon initial acceptance, an underground utility check will be
performed prior to any digging. This includes power, gas, phone, water, or any others as deemed necessary. If
no utilities cause interference with the necessary work, final acceptance will be given.
3. Transplanting is done during the appropriate seasons and as workload allows. Plants may be hand dug,
transplanted with the City's "44" Vermeer tree spade, or moved with a larger machine contracted from a private
firm. Plants are generally moved to the closest suitable site or where the donor requests if
appropriate.
4. A certificate is sent to the donor. The face of the certificate will state the name of
the donor, variety and size of the plant(s), and location to which it was moved. The approximate wholesale
value of each plant is listed on the back of the certificate along with a photograph of the plant in its new
location. The certificate is signed by the Mayor, City Manager, Public Works Director, and the Forestry
Manager. Information about the donation is entered onto log sheets and into the appropriate computer
file.
5. The donation program is under the administration of a Forestry Technician who makes the final
determination on acceptability of any plant material.
Memorial Trees
Memorial tree at Glenmere Park
1. The Forestry Program offers a living monument program called the
"MEMORIAL TREE PROGRAM.” Through
this program individuals, families or businesses may commemorate people or events with special tree plantings.
A downloadable copy of our
Memorial Tree Program Brochure is available here.
2. Commemorative plantings are recognized with a certificate recording the pertinent information (who,
what, where, when) and includes a map of the park on the reverse side with the location of the planting
indicated and a photograph of the plant in its new location.
3. A picture and pertinent information are added to the "Living Monument" record book, and a small brass plate is engraved and attached to a large wood plaque located in the downtown Recreation Center.
4. Participants can choose the park where they wish to have the tree(s) planted. Guidance will be provided in specific locations in order to avoid underground utilities, irrigation problems, and drainage or soil issues.
5. Participants can choose the type of tree that may reflect their own personal interests. Guidance will be provided to assist with proper tree selection.
6. The Forestry staff plants the tree(s) in the chosen park at an agreed upon date and time. Participation in the actual planting is welcomed and encouraged.
7. To contact Greeley Forestry about planting a memorial tree, email Shiloh.Hatcher@greeleygov.com