TREE GIVEAWAY - 2023

a graphic of cutely drawn cartoon trees
  1. Step 1 - Review the Tree Giveway Policy
Review the Tree Giveaway Policy Here
  1. STEP 2  - COMPLETE AND SUBMIT APPLICATION TO RESERVE >
  1. STEP 3 - RECEIVE YOUR FREE TREE AND BAG of fertilizer >
Upcoming tree planting workshops: 

May 20, 2023 - Beta Park
June 2023 - TBD
Tree Flier 5.17.23
The following species of trees will be available as a giveaway tree:  TOYON (Heteromeles arbutifolia), CALIFORNIA WAX MYRTLE (Morella californica)
HOLLYLEAF CHERRY (Prunus illcifolia), CALIFORNIA LILAC (Ceanothus, Ray Hartman), & Fruit Trees (All varieties of citrus, apple/pear or stone fruit)

2023 TREE GIVEAWAY EVENT


The Tree Giveaway program will begin March of 2023.

 The City of Seaside will be launching a tree giveaway event - giving away one (1) tree and one (1) bag of fertilizer free of charge to all Seaside residents and businesses with suitable tree planting conditions. Through this effort, the City plans to raise awareness about the benefits trees provide and the giveaway event aimed to increase local tree canopy on private properties.

Please reach out to Dan Meewis, Recreation Director dmeewis@ci.seaside.ca.us or Dave Fortune, Maintenance & Utilities Superintendent dfortune@ci.seaside.ca.us for any questions. 

How a Tree Works

  

How to Plant a Tree

  

How to Plant a Potted Tree

  

How to Stake & Tie a tree

  

How to Mulch

  

How to Water a Tree

  

Watering trees in the Summer & for establishment

  

How do I avoid damaging my tree's roots?

  

How do I check for tree pests?

  

How do I hire an Arborist?

  

How to prune a trees

  

The ABCs of Pruning

  

Why do I need to prune?

  

How to identify living & dead branches

  

Impact of Urban Development on Trees

  

TREE BENEFITS


Trees provide a myriad of environmental and community benefits because of the ecosystem services they provide – such as filtering air pollution including particulate matter, producing oxygen, sequestering carbon dioxide, providing shade, regulating temperatures (cooler ambient air), absorbing and retaining water runoff/stormwater runoff, improving water quality, reducing erosion, providing beauty, improving physical and mental human health, providing food and habitat for wildlife, and increasing nearby property values. Trees reduce heating and air conditioning (HVAC) loads which decreases energy consumption and reduces costs for building occupants. Additionally, the more tree species populating an area increases urban biodiversity and builds local resilience against tree-related pests and disease.

YOUNG TREE CARE BEST PRACTICES


All great trees start small! Below are educational videos to learn more about young tree care best practices. Typically a tree’s average lifespan can exceed 50 years with some remarkable species living long beyond 100 years. Much of a tree’s success and development is determined in its first five-years during a period referred to as young tree establishment. During this time, the tree is spreading critical roots and branches, adapting to environmental conditions (like water availability), and gaining stability from interactions with winds and storms/drought. Therefore, young tree care activities are essential – like supplemental watering, prune training, temporary staking, and mulching. Note: Many of these can taper to as-needed activities after it is established.

Tree Watering Guide (published by California Urban Forests Council): Drought conditions are extending the establishment period for young trees in California.

Tree Planting Guide (published by Texas A&M Forest Service): Comprehensive guide that reviews planning before you plant a tree, knowing what to avoid, and planting and maintenance activities.

Right Tree, Right Place (published by Arbor Day Foundation): A proper landscape plan takes each tree into consideration – height, mature canopy spread, species debris (deciduous/evergreen and fruit), form/shape, growth rate, growing requirements (soil, sun, and moisture), and hardiness zone.

WAIVER OF TREE LIABILITY


By submitting the application form, you will acknowledge and accept the following: the City of Seaside will not charge for the giveaway tree or bag of fertilizer; the City of Seaside will not plant the giveaway tree; the City of Seaside will not inspect the giveaway tree; and that all responsibilities and liabilities related to the giveaway tree are my own.  

TREE STEWARDS PLEDGE


Experts agree that a newly planted tree typically needs one year for each inch in diameter of the trunk to regain a normal root system. For example, a three-inch diameter newly planted tree will need at least three years in the ground to become fully established. 

  1. I pledge to plant my tree using the best practices videos on the City's website, paying special attention to site placement, using the tree's root flare to determine proper planting depth, and potential conflicts and/or conditions that may affect the tree's health as it establishes and grows into maturity. 
  2. I pledge to water my tree regularly (10-15 gallons per week for a period of up to five years) to help it fully establish and grow strong. Using recycled water is an excellent option. 
  3. I pledge to maintain a watering basin at the base of my tree and I will keep this area mulched and free of debris, grass, and other plants. 
  4. I pledge to keep my tree properly staked for a period of two years before removing them so its trunk doesn't slant while its roots are growing and forming a strong foundation. 
  5. I pledge to monitor the health of my tree and will contact an ISA certified arborist for tree expert guidance, as necessary. 
  6. I pledge to hire an ISA certified arborist to perform juvenile pruning on my tree when it is four or fives years old, and as necessary, to ensure it has a strong, central trunk, evenly spaced branches, and a balanced canopy.