Philadelphia Parks & Recreation manages one of the nation’s oldest urban forests. This includes leafy trails in the Wissahickon and century-old trees of Fairmount. But other parts of the city suffer from a shortage of trees. Sparse tree cover in the city can lead to: 

• overheating 
• flooding 
• poor air quality 
• lack of shade. 

 These conditions impact residents’ health and quality of life.  

Parks & Rec’s TreePhilly program is working to change that. TreePhilly partners with community groups to plant more trees in neighborhoods that need them. As a result, city residents can receive free yard trees at giveaways each spring and fall. They’re also offered advice on planting and caring for trees.  

Expanding neighborhood yard tree giveaways  

TreePhilly serves all Philadelphia neighborhoods. The program focuses where there is the greatest need and opportunity for new tree canopy. This year, the program expanded its reach, welcoming 18 new community partners.  

New partners hosting their first TreePhilly giveaway include: 

Germantown

• Friends of Vernon Park 
• Awbury Arboretum  

 Lower Northeast 

• Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership 

North Philadelphia

• East Park Revitalization Alliance
• Heritage CDC with Wagner Free Institute of Science and Amos Recreation Center Advisory Council
• Tioga Neighbors 

 Southwest Philadelphia

• Philadelphia Orchard Project in partnership with Sankofa Community Farm  

How can I bring TreePhilly to my neighborhood? 

TreePhilly is on track to give away over 2,000 trees this year, and is planning for further growth in 2020. There are still trees available this season.  

To see if your neighborhood is part of the next yard tree giveaway: 

• check out the list of current giveaway locations 
• learn how your organization can host a Community Yard Tree Giveaway

Follow @TreePhilly and @PhilaparkandRec on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.