City of Greeley News

An average of 250 trees a year are removed from Greeley’s residential neighborhoods. For the most part, these trees are removed by private contractors due to age, insects, diseases, environmental events, and lack of proper care. In one generation, that amounts to more than 6,000 trees removed, and unfortunately, in Greeley, few get replanted. 

To promote and increase tree-planting efforts in Greeley neighborhoods, city officials implemented a residential planting program called Share the Shade. This program helps Greeley residents purchase and plant trees on their property with an annual goal of planting 100 trees a year throughout the community. 

Residential property owners can apply to purchase up to two trees per year, at the cost of $50 per tree. The City of Greeley covers the remaining expenses that include supplies, delivery and professional installation by city staff with the help of volunteers. Applicants who help plant trees in the spring can obtain a refund of their tree purchase with a minimum of four hours of volunteer time provided to the program. Applicants can choose from a variety of shade canopy, ornamental and evergreen trees selected for their hardiness in Greeley’s soils and climate.

The application period for the program begins Sept. 1 and closes Nov. 1, 2020. City staff will complete inspections of all potential planting locations after receiving applications to ensure the program plants the right tree in the right place.

Healthy trees benefit all residents and create substantial investments in Greeley’s future. Among many other benefits, trees improve air quality, boost community wellness, increase property values, provide shade, and protect our water resources. 

For more information and to apply for the program, please visit greeleygov.com/forestry.