City of Greeley News

Greeley’s Share the Shade Program gives city residents a chance to add up to two trees to their property for $50 each, or for free by volunteering.

The City of Greeley manages a planting program called Share the Shade to promote and increase tree-planting efforts in Greeley neighborhoods. Residents, churches, non-profit organizations, and homeowner associations (HOAs) can now apply to be a part of the program's third year.

Need to know

The program offers $50 trees. In addition:

• 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 full refund of their tree purchase with a minimum of four hours of volunteer time provided to the program. 
• Planting locations must allow ample space at maturity for desired species, free from conflicts with overhead or underground utility service lines and with adequate distance from structures, traffic signs, and existing trees regardless of ownership.
• Property landscapes must have an active irrigation system or be adequately cared for to provide the best chance of long-term survivability of trees.

Healthy trees improve air quality, enhance community wellness, increase property values, provide shade, and protect water resources.

Apply for discounted trees

Share the Shade accepts applications in the fall and plants trees the following spring. To participate in the 2023 program, apply by Nov. 1, 2022. Applicants can choose from a variety of shade canopy, ornamental, and evergreen trees. City forestry officials selected 17 species of trees for their hardiness in Greeley's soils and climate. After receiving applications, city staff will inspect all potential planting locations to ensure the right tree is planted in the right place.

Residential property owners, churches, and non-profit organizations can apply to purchase up to two trees, per year, at $50 per tree. For the same price, HOAs can buy up to ten trees per year.

The program so far

To date, forestry staff and volunteers have planted 210 trees on 144 properties throughout the community.

For details and the online application, please visit greeleygov.com/forestry. For additional information, contact the City of Greeley Forestry Division at 970-351-5150.

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