ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — St. Augustine property owners can apply to have a free tree planted in their front yard starting Saturday.
The City of St. Augustine is launching its Tree Canopy Enhancement Program, giving homeowners the chance to request a tree be planted on their properties, free of charge.
Trees would be planted in the right-of-way in front of selected homes, or on private properties.
Residents can apply for the program from June 1 through August 31, or while supplies last.
Applicants can choose from nine different tree species, including live oak, red cedar, east palatka holly, sand live oak, redbud, yaupon holly, simpson's stopper winged elm and sweetbay magnolia.
After an application is submitted, city staff will review it and conduct a site assessment to ensure the selected tree will fit in a yard's avaliable space. Site assessments will be done between June and August during normal business hours, according to the city.
The program only applies to residents living within the city limits. To check if properties are within city limits, click here.
The city said final selections for the program will be made in September and trees will be planted from January through February.
Applications will need to complete a temporary planting access agreement, according to the city, ensuring once the tree is planted on the homeowner's property, it will be their responsibility to maintain it.
If a tree dies due to a lack of proper care or watering, it will not be replaced by the city.
For more information on the program, including eligibility criteria and application forms, visit the city's website at www.citystaug.com/treecanopy. For additional questions email trees@citystaug.com