Build community and canopy
TreesCharlotte partners with qualifying neighborhoods, schools, houses of faith, athletic associations and other non-profit organizations to host tree-planting and tree-giveaway events. These organized events can be a great way to build camaraderie, beautify our community and add to the city’s canopy.
Eligible applicants will have:
- 55 percent or less tree canopy coverage (as determined by the 2012 tree canopy assessment)
- Ability to plant and/or give away at least 50 trees during the event
If your tree planting application is approved, TreesCharlotte will help you create an amazing day! First, we’ll work with you months in advance on a planting plan, to ensure the right trees go in the right place. In the buildup to the event, we’ll work with you to recruit volunteers to make the day a success. On the day of the planting, we’ll come in and auger the holes, get the trees delivered and ensure the event runs smoothly under the direction of our TreeMasters!
If your community applies for a TreeStore (which can happen in addition to a planting), we’ll bring up to three trees and three bags of mulch per registered “shopper.” Three to six different species may be offered, including small, medium and large maturing varieties that are in 7-gallon containers, about 6 to 10 feet tall at planting. Like a citywide TreeStore, we’ll have experts on hand to talk about proper tree planting and maintenance; all tree recipients are expected to sign a pledge to care for the trees after planting.
For neighborhood plantings, a $10/tree fee may apply:
Free trees: Neighborhoods where the median home value is $182,000 or less will qualify for free trees.
$10 trees: Neighborhoods over that $182,000 threshold will be asked to donate $10/tree.
School plantings
We work closely with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools system to identify campuses that need trees. But we are happy to look at recommendations from school staff, parents, students and community members. If there’s a school you would like us to consider, please fill out this form and we’ll be in touch.
Other organizations
One of our primary areas of focus is planting trees in underserved communities. In the past, we’ve partnered with Renaissance West Community Initiative to plant trees, created a community fruit orchard at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church and planted 150 trees for an athletic association. If you’re a part of a non-profit that needs trees, we would love to work with you. Just fill out the interest form.
If you are a for-profit business that would like to host a TreeStore or have us help you plant your campus, please reach out directly to Jen@TreesCharlotte.org.
Is your community under-canopied but needs less than 50 trees?
We still may help! If your community has 55 percent or less tree canopy coverage but you need fewer than 50 trees, we may able to set aside 15-25 trees for a representative(s) to pick up from one of our TreeStores. You would still need to go through the NeighborWoods application process, may be subject to the $10/tree charge and would need to figure out (and let us know) how they will be planted. Please fill out the application below and we’ll be in touch.
Are you looking for trees just for your yard?
If you are interested in adding trees to only your property, this program is not for you. We encourage you to check out our free TreeStore schedule, which is intended for individual residents.
Questions?
Email TreesCharlotte Community Engagement Officer .
Benefits of Neighborhood Plantings
Neighborhoods projects help communities by:
Improving property values
Studies show that property values of homes with trees are 5% to 20% higher than similar properties without trees. Source: Arbor Day FoundationBeautification
Trees provided through NeighborWoods are 6 to 10 feet tall, providing instant beautification and inspiration for additional curb appeal improvements.Cooling urban areas
Shade provided by trees has a direct cooling effect on the air temperature for nearby sidewalks, roads, houses and parks.Improving air quality
High temperatures escalate the production of smog and other pollutants. Trees help by reducing the air temperature through shading and carbon monoxide absorption.Reducing traffic speeds
Tree-lined roads provide a sense of enclosure, which causes motorists to drive more slowly and carefully.Energy conservation
By producing shade, trees help conserve energy as they intercept radiant heat.Noise reduction
Trees and shrubs are effective buffers in screening out urban noise.Wildlife habitat
Trees provide critical habitat for birds and diverse wildlife in the urban area.
Praise for TreesCharlotte
"I wanted to drop you a note to tell you what a great success the TreesCharlotte event was at Stone Creek Ranch. All the preplanning and the teamwork displayed created an environment conducive to success plus we had a lot of fun doing it. Your team did a fantastic job in making sure we secured the trees requested and the coordination with the actual planting of the trees was flawless. Best of luck to you and your team at all future events."
"Where did all those trees come from?" That was the response so many of our students gave as they arrived on campus Monday morning! Thank you to TreesCharlotte, The Charlotte Observer and the countless volunteers that made this a reality. Because of you, the impact on this campus and this community will last for the next 100 years!"
"As a recipient of two trees at Sedgefield Elementary I want to commend you and the staff for a well organized and informative event. Everything including registration, a description of the trees, the instruction of proper tree planting and overall assistance was first rate. I manage a couple of non-profits and know how much time and attention is required to properly orchestrate public events. You guys did a great job."
"We are so grateful for the two Maple trees that TreesCharlotte donated to Park Road Montessori. Our school naturalist, Charlotte Fletcher, planted these two trees with the assistance of some of our older students. We planted these trees together outside of two of our classrooms, near our lunchtime picnic tables. Our students, teachers and parents will enjoy watching these trees grow and become part of our daily space. We value our outdoor area and classroom gardens, the maple trees just add so much to our space. Thank you for providing this treasured gift to our school."
"Winget Park Elementary has some new additions, thanks to the school’s Nature Club and TreesCharlotte. Despite the wet weather this past Saturday, 75 volunteers came out and planted 153 trees on the school campus."
"Thanks to each of you for all that you are doing for Charlotte and Park Ridge community! Residents of our neighborhood to include my family, came out to the event this past Saturday to pick up trees. This is a beautiful time of the year and we all will be reminded of the commitment of your organization and personal care you have shown us for many years to come."
Neighborhood Planting FAQs
