PORT ANGELES — The City Shade Tree Program is returning for a third year in Port Angeles.
The Shade Street Tree Program, developed by Paul Forrest, invites residents to request up to two free trees through an online application process, according to a press release. The trees will be placed within the public right-of-way, typically between the sidewalk and curb.
About 115 trees will be available this fall after the city’s Arbor Day celebration. Ten species are being offered this year, including:
• Galaxy Magnolia (Magnolia x ‘Galaxy’)
• Japanese Stewartia (Stewartia pseudocamellia)
• Peking Lilac (Syringa pekinensis)
• American Hornbeam “Firespire” and “Native Flame” (Carpinus caroliniana)
• Japanese Snowbell and “Snowcone” Japanese Snowbell (Styrax japonica)
• Black Tupelo “Wildfire,” “Red Splyndor” and “Green Gable” (Nyssa sylvatica)
Trees will be about 11/2 inches in diameter at 4 inches above the base, roughly 6 feet tall and weigh an average of 75 pounds, according to the press release.
Each tree will arrive in a #16 fabric planting bag. Planting will be completed by the applicant, who may request assistance from City Shade volunteers in advance.
Weekly watering during the first two summers, pruning and leaf raking also will be the applicant’s responsibility.
Those interested can apply through Aug. 8. City staff will review planting sites and work with applicants to offer species appropriate for that location’s size, soil conditions and existing utilities. Preference will be given to households who have not previously received a street tree as part of the program.
Community members also can apply to volunteer with the program. Volunteers play a vital role in supporting tree planting and maintenance efforts, including helping with distribution in October.
The application can be found at cityofpa-formsdev.app.transform.civicplus.com/forms/34717.
