Cooling down your neighborhood and improving your health can be as simple as planting a tree. Several cities and nonprofits in Washington want to help you achieve these benefits by offering you free trees to plant.
“The heat has become the deadliest weather disaster in America,” said Hilary Franz, public lands commissioner for Washington state.
Franz said that on hot days, temperatures in different parts of the city could vary greatly.
“In one neighborhood it can be up to 13 degrees warmer,” she said.
Several cities and nonprofit organizations offer free trees to their citizens as a sign of their help.
The city of Bellevue is accepting applications until Sunday. Residents can apply for up to two free trees each year.
“Neighborhoods with a dense tree canopy are much cooler than neighborhoods without,” says Sofia Fall, coordinator of Bellevue’s sustainability program.
It’s not just about cooling. Studies show that tree canopies can improve the physical and mental health of residents.
“Trees are crucial for cleaning the air and water,” Franz said.
As these trees grow year after year, the benefits of the tree canopy can continue to benefit future generations.
Although Washington is known for its trees, tree canopies can vary greatly depending on the area.
“We know that areas with lower tree canopy density tend to be lower-income communities and have higher numbers of recently immigrated community members,” Fall said.
Last year, Washington launched the first project of its kind to evenly expand tree canopies across the state.
To help, you can apply for free trees in your city. Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, and several other municipalities and nonprofits have their own programs.
Remember: once you receive a free tree, it is your responsibility to take care of it.
Here you can track the treetops in your neighborhood.
