Free trees offered to Waukegan residents
A new grant allows 100 qualifying Waukegan homes to have a tree planted in the front yard for free. Fifty more are being planted in public spaces. These trees have a retail value of $530, add beauty and value to a property and bring shade and clean air to a yard.
Residents can increase their benefits by getting their neighbors to join in. Research shows people are happier, safer and healthier in neighborhoods filled with trees.
To take part, contact FreeTree@Openlands.org or (312) 863-6286 by Thursday, Aug. 20.
To qualify:
The front yard must have a sunny spot suitable for a small, medium or large tree (trees are approximately 7 feet tall when planted).
The property owner – you or your landlord – must agree to water and care for it for three years.
You must live in Waukegan. Priority is given to the area bound by Green Bay Road on the west, Lewis Avenue on the east, Grand Avenue on the south, and Bonnie Brook Lane on the north.
How it works:
Request your tree by Aug. 20. Provide your name, address and phone number. You will be sent a tree adoption packet.
Return the adoption agreement by Monday, Aug. 31.
Openlands will visit your front yard in September. They'll look for a good sunny spot, and mark it with a small white flag. They'll select a tree type that can thrive there, based on space, light and inventory. They'll ask JULIE to mark where utilities might be buried, so they can avoid them while digging.
The city's trained crew will plant the tree in autumn.
You'll enjoy your new tree and care for it as it grows. To make it easier, Openlands will give you a free watering bucket and instructions.