CLEVELAND — Editor's note: Video at the top of this story with tips to winterize your property was originally published on Nov. 20, 2020.
Do you have a bit of extra space for a new tree in your yard? You're wanted to help battle the reduction of trees throughout our region. Holden Forests & Gardens has launched a new initiative in Northeast Ohio with a goal of having 15,000 trees planted and cared for by 2025.
“We are inviting every member of our community to take notice of the trees around us, grow in our appreciation and love of trees and make a pledge to plant a tree in your yard, at your business or in your neighborhood," said Jill Koski, president and CEO of Holden Forests & Gardens.
Holden Forests & Gardens says it’s “imperative” for the community to act now to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change and enhance the health of our urban and rural forests.
Here’s how it works… You can make a pledge to participate HERE. Once that’s complete, you will receive the following information:
- Which trees are best to plant in Northeast Ohio
- Where to purchase your tree
- When and how to plant your tree
- Tips for caring for your tree as it's growing
For those who want to donate to have a tree planted, you can make a contribution that will support planting a tree in a neighborhood in Cleveland, organizers said.
"Our arborists, scientists, community foresters and educators work onsite at the Holden Arboretum and Cleveland Botanical Garden, and in our community to grow and care for trees each year; but we can only plant so many," Koski said. "We realized, that to truly make difference, we would need to join with and empower community members to plant and care for their own trees. Only together, can we really make a marked improvement on the region's tree canopy."
Officials say the tree canopy declined by 5 percent in Cleveland from 2011-2017.
"Contributing to the tree canopy loss solution can feel daunting. People for Trees is designed to make it easier for each one of us to do our part," said Sandra Albro, Holden Forests & Garden’s Director of Community Partnerships. "It is imperative that we act now to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change and other factors on the health of our urban and rural forests."