City of Minneapolis, MN
08/29/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 08/29/2024 13:52
Climate Legacy Initiative helps City Trees program grow
In 2024, the City committed $10 million to help combat climate change, allocating over $855,000 to the City Trees program. The Climate Legacy Initiative funding will help purchase 3,700 trees this year and support the tree sale and pickup event.
"Planting a single tree can yield countless benefits," said Mayor Frey. "Through our City Tree program, we're not just making trees affordable; we're enhancing air quality, beautifying our neighborhoods, and helping residents reduce utility costs. Minneapolis remains at the forefront of climate action, and this initiative is another way we're leading the charge."
Fall City Trees sale now open
The City of Minneapolis Health Department is partnering with Tree Trust to offer 2,200 low-cost shade, fruit, flowering, and evergreen trees for $30 a tree through Sept. 30.
Minneapolis residents and property owners can purchase up to three trees per address.
Benefits of trees:
- Provide shade
- Lower utility bills
- Increase property value
- Clean the air
- Collect stormwater
- Provide habitat for wildlife
- Improve mental health and well-being
Residents and property owners can purchase trees while supplies last
"The commitment by the mayor's office to increase funding for the City Trees program will help increase our tree canopy throughout the city," said Sydney Schaaf, Minneapolis Health Department City Trees program coordinator. "We know the largest opportunity to increase tree canopy in Minneapolis is on private property and we hope residents and businesses take advantage of this opportunity.
Low-cost trees for businesses and commercial properties
The City is also looking to plant 500 trees at $30 each for businesses, non-profits, organizations, and rental property owners of five or more units. Priority will be given to businesses that request five or more trees.
Apply before Sept. 15 to get your trees planted this fall
The cost includes:
- A consultation with a landscaper to find the best trees for your property
- Professional planting
- Mulch and watering bags to assist in caring for the trees
Brad Hendrickson took advantage of the program by purchasing 13 trees this spring for his business that's been in Minneapolis since 1956.
"When I heard about the City's Commercial Tree Program offering $30 trees to business owners, I sprung at the opportunity," said Brad Hendrickson, Hub Manufacturing Company owner. "Applying for the program was straightforward-it was a no-brainer for me. It presented the perfect chance to enhance the beauty of our community, improve the appearance of the business, and contribute to revitalizing this area."
About the City Trees program
Since the program began in 2006, the City Trees program has provided more than 20,000 low-cost trees for planting on private property and provided thousands of trees to commercial businesses, organizations and property owners of five or more units.
In 2023, we sold more than 1,500 trees. Check out all the excited community members during our 2023 pickup day. This could be you! City Tree Pick Up Day 2023
About the Climate Legacy Initiative
Launched in July 2023 by Mayor Jacob Frey, the Climate Legacy Initiative was developed in collaboration with community leaders, grassroots advocates, unions and climate organizations and City staff.
The CLI funds the City's Climate Equity Plan, which provides a roadmap for the City's equitable and aggressive climate work over the next decade. The City aims to significantly reduce climate pollution by 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2050. The Plan also includes weatherization of homes, reducing utility bills, green job training and planting more trees.