Free trees offered to select La Mesa residents to draw shade, clean air

Planting a tree with non-profit Tree San Diego Photo Credit Tree San Diego Credit Tree San Diego The city of La Mesa is hosting a series of free in-person and online events for residents to get directly involved in expanding the group s urban tree canopy The city is partnering with the nonprofit Tree San Diego to host events that will teach residents how to steward and care for their own trees The events will run from September through November and include a free tree giveaway for households on Oct The series of events is part of the city s ongoing commitment to its Environment Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions The series is aimed at creating a healthier cleaner and more beautiful group The city has done one-off tree events in the past but this is the first time it is hosting a series in partnership with Tree San Diego Growing La Mesa s urban forest Elektra Fike-Data executive director of Tree San Diego mentioned that the city saw the opportunity to boost the urban forest by collaborating with local residents Hilary Ego La Mesa s environmental sustainability manager commented that the city manages trees in residents spaces such as parks and sidewalks but recognized the need for more on private property To reach our tree canopy goals we need people to plant in their homes and their yards Ego explained Planting a tree on a property has a large number of benefits A mature tree even increases property values There s just a myriad of benefits to installing a tree on your property declared Fike-Data What we re hearing the bulk from the locality is that they want more shade they want less heat and they want cleaner air Residents also will have the opportunity to learn about trees in La Mesa and the benefits they provide The Tree Trek event on Oct is a walk around La Mesita Park with an arborist to identify the different trees and their benefits The event is suitable for kids and is ADA accessible The first residents who arrive at the giveaway on Oct will receive a free tree Tree San Diego will note each one that is planted on an interactive Tree Plotter map that tracks and calculates the eco-benefits of each You re learning about your local setting your backyard noted Fike-Data Getting involved with your group is everything Event details La Mesa residents who attend events on Sept or Oct will be entered in a drawing for a free -gallon fruit tree Here are the locations Sept Planting steward training Harry Griffen Park to a m Oct Tree Trek La Mesita Park to a m Oct Free tree distribution La Mesa General Works Operations Yard a m to noon Nov Steward training virtual webinar to a m Those who wish to attend must register at Tree San Diego To receive a tree at the Oct event submit a request form in advance They will be distributed on a first-come first-served basis Please note the request form does not guarantee a tree Tree event flyer courtesy of city of La Mesa