Let's Enhance Arlington's Forest is a urban forestry initiative designed to bring quality free trees to neighborhoods, businesses and public open spaces in Arlington. The idea of the program is designed around the principle of "reinvigorating neighborhoods".

Arlington's goals for this program are to:

	Educate citizens on the benefits of trees
	Increase the attractiveness and livability of the City
	Build community through civic and environmental responsibility
	Improve air and water quality

The L.E.A.F. program continues to grow in popularity each planting season! This past March, the City of Arlington was able to supply nearly $26,000 worth of trees to residential areas, local businesses, and public spaces. 188 homes in 15 different neighborhoods signed up to plant new trees in their yards, helping to reduce energy costs, water run-off, and heat islands. The enthusiasm citizens have had for planting helped add 470 trees to Arlington’s urban forest. The L.E.A.F. program allows citizens to come together and work towards improved air quality and greater environmental responsibility.
Residents are quickly learning that shading and beautifying their property with trees is a naturally fun choice!

As the September 1st deadline quickly approaches, learn how you can make an impact in your neighborhood and the environment through L.E.A.F.

The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago.
The second best time is now.
-Anonymous

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I get my neighbors interested in the L.E.A.F. program?
--Our program provides a L.E.A.F. Community Letter which you can send out to your neighbors to get them interested in participating. The letter outlines just how beneficial trees are and why you should plant them. The letter may be edited to meet your needs.

2. What if I cannot find 10 neighbors to commit to the program?
--Don’t forget to send the L.E.A.F. Community Letter out to them! If, after demonstrating that you have done your best, and still do not have enough people signed up, you may submit an individual application for consideration.

3. I have found a group of people interested in planting trees, now what?
--The designated project leader must complete one L.E.A.F. Application listing the names of all residents participating. Each resident must complete and sign a Commitment of Care form and return it to the project leader. The project leader will then mail or fax all paperwork, before the deadline, to:

City of Arlington - Forestry Office
Heather Dowell, City Forester
1924 W. Randol Mill Rd.
Arlington, TX 76012

Fax: 817-801-5762

4. Who has to sign the L.E.A.F. Application?
--The project leader fills in the names of all residents participating and signs the application.

5. Who has to sign the Commitment of Care form?
--Every resident participating must complete and sign a Commitment of Care form and return it to the project leader.

6. How do I know what kind of trees I should plant?
-- Our program offers 10 different species which are all native to North Texas and have been known to do well in this area. Access the Tree Descriptions link on the left-hand side of the L.E.A.F. website to see tree characteristics and images. Take into account the size of your yard or planting area, whether or not there are power lines overhead, and how tall the tree will grow to be, before making a decision.

7. How will I know if my tree preferences are approved?
--After you submit your application, the Forestry crew will come by to assess the property and determine if your selections are appropriate for the area. They will be available to give suggestions for alternate trees and answer any questions you may have at the time. If the Forestry representative feels the tree species you have selected for your location are not suitable you will be contacted via email or phone to inform you of the decision and discuss some alternative options.

8. How soon will the trees be delivered?
--After the deadlines, the applications will be reviewed and Forestry staff will have to survey your property to ensure appropriate tree selections. We try our best to contact you with a delivery time within the month. To prevent any delays, make sure to have all the correct paperwork submitted on time.

9. How tall are the trees when they are delivered?
--The trees we provide are between 8 and 12 feet tall.

10. Will forestry staff tell me how to take care of the trees?
--Upon delivery, staff will provide paper instructions for planting, care, and maintenance of trees. We have a planting guide that may be accessed on our website in the L.E.A.F. brochure.
If necessary, they will do a planting demonstration.

11. Do I have to plant the trees myself?
--Yes, every resident who signs up for trees is responsible for planting them. If you are not able to plant the trees yourself or have a neighbor to help, you may hire a contractor to perform this service for you.

12. Can staff give me references to people who can help plant the trees?
-- We do not have a list of contractors that provide this service. You may wish to contact a landscape company through the phonebook or internet listings. Your friends and neighbors may also be able to refer you to someone reputable.

13. Isn’t autumn a bad time to plant trees?
--Actually fall is a great time to plant in Texas. It is not too hot so the trees have a good chance of getting established. We provide container grown trees, so they may be planted all year round. Just remember to water, water, and water!

14. I signed up to get free trees last year, can I apply again this year?
--No, there is a waiting period in between applications. The Commitment of Care is a two-year contract. Once the two years are up and the trees show that they have been well-maintained, you may apply again.

15. I have friends who live in cities around Arlington, can they get free trees?
--No, you must be an Arlington resident to apply. They should check with their Parks Department and see if they offer any type of tree program.