City taking applications for free trees

The City of Bellevue is launching its fourth annual tree giveaway, offering 700 free trees to residents and community organizations, with applications open until August 18, 2024. Participants can choose from a selection of flowering, evergreen, and deciduous trees, designed to thrive in various planting conditions. To promote environmental equity, the city is prioritizing applications from neighborhoods with lower tree equity scores, addressing the issue of access to green spaces. Applicants are encouraged to evaluate their planting sites to ensure compatibility with the selected tree species. The distribution event is scheduled for October 25 and 26, where residents can either collect their trees personally or arrange for a friend or neighbor to pick them up. Alongside the trees, the city will provide free watering bags and mulch to aid in the establishment of new plantings. This initiative underscores the significance of trees in enhancing air quality, managing stormwater runoff, and providing essential shade during warmer months. With past giveaways distributing up to 1,000 trees annually, this program continues to foster community engagement and environmental stewardship in Bellevue.