Free Tree Program
The annual Free Tree Program was designed as part of Salem's ongoing efforts to improve water quality in our waterways. Since the program's inception in 2003, more than 3,000 native trees and shrubs have been provided for streamside enhancement throughout the city. These native plants can provide a number of benefits:
- Increased landscape diversity and aesthetics.
- Reduced property loss from excessive streambank erosion.
- Protected and improved water quality.
- Shaded streams and lower summer water temperatures.
- Enhanced wildlife habitat.
- Decreased need for pesticides/fertilizers (native plants are more resistant to local pests and diseases).
- Increased property value.
For a limited time this spring, free native plants (in one-gallon-sized pots) will be available to streamside residents in Salem. Offer letters will be mailed out to streamside residents in February 2012. Please take the voucher (found on the back of the offer letter) to Kale Farms to claim your free plants. This offer ends soon and plants will be offered on a first come, first serve basis.
The Free Tree Program brochure provides a complete list and description of the native plants offered in 2012. If you have any questions, comments, or need planting assistance, please contact Heather Dimke at 503-588-6063 or hdimke@cityofsalem.net.