FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 5, 2022

MEDIA CONTACTS

Tanisha Jumper, Media and Communications, tjumper@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5152

Stacy Ellifritt, Media and Communications, stacy.ellifritt@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-2005

Applications for 2022 Grit City Trees Program Now Available

Grit City Trees is the City of Tacoma’s free street tree program. Applications for the 2022 season are now being accepted through Sunday, August 28, 2022. The goal of the program is to equitably increase Tacoma’s tree canopy while growing happy and healthy neighborhoods through community tree planting.

Neighbors are encouraged to work together and apply for Grit City Trees as a group. Individuals are also eligible to apply. Trees and other supporting materials such as TAGRO, tree stakes, and tree ties will be available for individuals to pick up at the City’s nursery this fall. Free delivery to neighborhood groups will start in October.

Tacoma residents who are interested in participating can find the application on the Grit City Trees webpage. These trees are for planting in the right-of-way only, are not for resale, and species availability is limited. All applications will be considered on a first-come-first-serve basis, with priority given to neighborhood group applications and individual applicants in Tacoma’s Priority Planting Areas.

The City is committed to anti-racist transformation to achieve better outcomes for our community, and trees are no exception. As part of the City’s commitment to equity and to reach 30% canopy coverage by 2030, the City is continuing the Grit City Trees program to uplift tree plantings in Priority Planting Areas (neighborhoods identified as “Moderate,” “Low,” to “Very Low” Opportunity on Tacoma’s Equity Index). Planting more trees throughout neighborhoods has proven to help keep places cool during the hottest days, manage stormwater runoff, slow neighborhood traffic, provide mental health benefits, and so much more. 

For more information, visit cityoftacoma.org/GritCityTrees, contact trees@cityoftacoma.org or call (253) 341-1315.

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