The city of Philomath is preparing to give away more than 80 trees to residents as part of an initiative to increase tree coverage in neighborhoods that need it most.
Public Works has amassed a varied inventory for the giveaway with crabapples making up the bulk of the collection. Based on a count performed Wednesday, Public Works Operations Supervisor Garry Black said the city has 44 crabapple trees available, along with alder, dogwoods, spruce and others.
“We’ve got some that are bigger than others, obviously,” Black said. “We have a lot of crabapples for some reason and I’m not sure why we have that many. I know some of the guys have picked up starters out there and brought them into our gardens.”
The effort aims to increase Philomath’s tree canopy by enlisting private homeowners and property owners in neighborhoods identified by Public Works as having less tree cover. The city, which is in its 31st year with the Tree City USA designation, plans a door-to-door campaign to distribute cards in targeted areas.
“Originally, this idea was generated by trying to get some more trees planted on private property in areas of the city that have less canopy cover,” Tree Board member Grant Seaders said at an Oct. 17 Public Works meeting. “So we were looking at targeting certain neighborhoods for that.”
Public Works Director Kevin Fear said a few trees have already been claimed by residents who asked about them. The department also has funding in the budget to purchase additional trees, if needed.
Mayor Christopher McMorran in a social media post indicated that if the program proves successful this year, it could become an annual initiative.