At a city budget hearing on April 1, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation informed City Council that it has a backlog of close to 30,000 trees to address. With so many hazardous trees in need of pruning and removal, that list may never reach zero.
The loss of trees throws a wrench in the city’s 10-year plan to increase the tree canopy and protect existing coverage.
Philadelphians can help with this by growing Philly’s urban forest in their immediate communities. Here’s how.
What’s a Tree Tender?
Tree Tenders are groups of volunteers trained to plant trees and maintain them in their communities. The initiative is a collaboration with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and community partners like nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and watershed groups.
How Do I Become One?
Throughout the year, PHS hosts training in-person and online at the basic, intermediate, and advanced levels. After completing the basic level, you can become a certified Tree Tender and join your local group. At the higher levels, you can get certified to take on leadership roles and more complicated maintenance tasks.
Basic training includes lessons on tree biology, identification, care, and safety. A full course is available at a sliding scale cost, with a suggested donation of $40. Some Tree Tender groups may waive the fee.
Where Can I Find a Group Near Me?
You can find a group near you using this map. Tree Tender groups exist in many Philadelphia neighborhoods and the surrounding suburbs.
After becoming certified, you can help neighbors register to receive a tree during the next planting cycle, assist with pruning, and answer questions about tree care.
Can I Plant Trees Without Becoming a Tree Tender?
Opportunities arise every spring and fall to plant trees throughout the city. These are the best times of year to plant and do necessary maintenance because you avoid extreme weather conditions and interfering with budding trees.
No experience is needed to participate in a planting, as training is done on-site. If you’re a certified Tree Tender who has participated in a planting before, your expertise can help guide first-timers in a successful planting.
You can find an upcoming PHS tree planting event here. Love Your Park Week, a celebration of Philly’s parks, also has tree care opportunities.
If you want a tree for your private property, you can apply through your neighborhood Tree Tender group to have one planted by volunteers in the next planting cycle. Another option is Tree Philly, which hosts yard tree giveaways and will provide delivery and planting assistance to residents with limited mobility.
