FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 2, 2021

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 2021 Grit City Trees Program Now Available

Grit City Trees is the City of Tacoma’s free street tree giveaway program. Applications for the 2021 season are being accepted now through Sunday, August 22, for individuals, and Sunday, September 5, for group applications. The goal of the program is to equitably increase Tacoma’s tree canopy while growing happy and healthy neighborhoods through community tree planting.

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 encourage tree plantings in Tacoma’s traditionally underserved neighborhoods. Adding more trees to neighborhoods is proven to help keep places cool during the hottest days, manage stormwater runoff, slow neighborhood traffic, provide mental health benefits, and so much more. 

Neighbors are encouraged to work together while following current COVID-19 safety guidelines to 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. The included tree care agreement must be signed by all participating property owners. These trees are for planting in the right-of-way only, are not for resale, and species availability is limited as a result of COVID-related impacts to the nursery industry. Final availability will be published on the website and sent to applicants in August. All applications will be considered on a first-come-first-serve basis, with preference given to neighborhood group applications in Tacoma’s traditionally underserved neighborhoods.

For more information, visit cityoftacoma.org/GritCityTrees, contact trees@cityoftacoma.org or call at (253) 502-2138.

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