Want a tree?

The City of Minneapolis is making up to 1,500 trees available to city residents for planting in their yards. The City Trees program, which is in its second year, is a low-cost way for folks to help build the city's urban forest.

"Having a city full of strong, healthy trees does more than just make Minneapolis a more attractive place to call home," said Mayor R.T. Rybak. "They also improve air quality, fight global warming, keep the city cooler, and reduce polluting stormwater runoff. It's a great investment in our community."

"Planting a tree is one of the greatest things a homeowner can do," said City Council Member Paul Ostrow, whose office helps coordinate the City Trees program. "It is an act of stewardship for our neighborhoods, our city, and our planet."

Ordering a tree:
The trees cost $15 each, and are between 6 and 10 feet tall with a 1 ¼-inch trunk. Residents can order one tree per household, and the 1,500 trees will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents can choose from six tree varieties, including birch, oak, pine, serviceberry, hawthorn, and a disease-resistant elm.

Order online by visiting http://www.treetrust.org/ or pick up an order form from your neighborhood group. To order by phone, call 651-644-5800. Trees must be ordered by April 15, and folks will need to pick the trees up at one of two pickup locations and times in late May.

Learn to care for your trees:
Free workshops can help residents learn more about tree planting and care. Learn how to identify insect and disease problems, hazardous trees, and other tree health issues. Workshop dates are:

Thursday, March 29, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Nokomis Recreation Center, 2401 E. Minnehaha Pkwy.

Saturday, March 31, 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Minneapolis Urban League, 2100 Plymouth Ave. N.

To reserve a place at a workshop, call 651-644-5800.