LAKEWOOD, Ohio — Lakewood residents can claim a free native tree this fall through the city’s Tree Giveaway Program, which aims to expand the community’s tree canopy with 200 trees available for home planting.
Online ordering begins at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17, at arborday.org/lakewoodoh, where residents can select from eight species ranging from small ornamentals to large shade trees. Each resident is limited to one tree, which will stand 4 to 6 feet tall at pickup.
“Autumn is the best time to plant a tree,” according to the Lakewood Tree Advisory and Education Board, which oversees the program. Trees must be planted on private property, not on treelawns.
Residents can collect their trees during a pickup event Saturday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to noon at Bernice Pyke Park in downtown Lakewood. The event will include tree planting demonstrations to help new tree owners properly establish their saplings.
Available species include small trees like the Allegheny Serviceberry, which produces edible berries and vibrant fall color, and the North American Pawpaw, known for its banana-like fruit. Medium options include the Black Cherry, among the fastest growing native trees, and the Black Tupelo, which tolerates clay soil and drought conditions.
For those with space for larger trees, the American Linden offers fragrant flowers that support pollinators, while the River Birch features distinctive multi-toned bark and thrives in wet locations.
In addition to the free tree program, Lakewood offers several other tree initiatives. Residents with existing tree lawn trees can purchase additional shade trees for their yards at the city’s contracted price of $392 per tree (including installation) through The Greenleaf Group Inc., the city’s 2024 planting contractor.
The tree advisory board emphasizes trees’ numerous benefits, noting they “provide shade and beauty, privacy and a sense of calm and serenity” while delivering environmental advantages like carbon sequestration, stormwater management, and erosion control. Trees also offer economic benefits by reducing utility costs, increasing property values and making business districts more attractive.
“Planting a tree is good for your soul,” the board states. “It is an unselfish act and a good deed that benefits not only you, but your neighbors and everyone around you – not just for today but for the future generations.”
For tree care guidance, the city offers resources on proper planting techniques, maintenance and pest management through its website.
Generative AI was used to organize information for this story, based on data provided by the City of Lakewood Tree Advisory and Education Board. It was reviewed and edited by cleveland.com.
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