Discounted trees available for Mpls residents

A thousand trees are being made available to city residents for planting this spring as part of the City Trees Program, which has provided a low-cost way for folks to help build the city’s urban forest. The program, which is funded by the City of Minneapolis, provides trees which are approximately six feet tall with a one-inch trunk for $25. Residents can order one tree per household, and all trees will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Varieties of trees available include Black Hills spruce, Korean mountain ash, prairifire crab, accolade elm,bur oak, and 50 mount royal plum trees. The plum trees produce edible fruit that’s great for jellies, jam, sauces or for eating straight off the branches. Residents who purchase the plum tree must attend a workshop on Saturday, June 20 to learn about fruit tree care and to pick up the tree.

Order your trees beginning April 3

Orders for trees can be completed online starting on April 3 by visiting the Tree Trust Web site or by calling 651-644-5800. You can also order a tree by picking up an order form from your neighborhood group or local library. In previous years, the trees have sold quickly, so place your order early.

Folks who order trees will need to pick them up on one of three days. Volunteers will be on hand to help load your new tree and complimentary bag of mulch in to your vehicle. Trees (other than the plum trees) can be picked up at Franklin Middle School East parking lot, 1501 Aldrich Ave. N. at the following times:

• Saturday, May 9, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Sunday, May 10, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Monday, May 11, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The City Trees program is a partnership between the City of Minneapolis and Tree Trust, a local nonprofit that works to improve the community environment.