Do you want to help plant trees in Salem?

The City offers many tree planting opportunities during the planting season (typically October through April). Friends of Trees coordinates volunteer tree planting events in low canopy parks, riparian areas, and neighborhoods, and our Urban Forestry Division and Parks Volunteer Coordinator organizes planting events with schools and other community groups. In partnership with Friends of Trees, we have also initiated a Pilot Yard Tree Program through which residents of certain low canopy neighborhoods in Salem can obtain low cost and even free trees for their yards. And, in an effort to improve stream temperatures and protect water quality, the City offers free trees and shrubs to streamside property owners in Salem through the Free Tree Program. Find out more about each of these programs below. 

Every year the City of Salem coordinates with Friends of Trees to identify planting locations in parks across Salem. Typically, this work focuses on parks with low tree canopy or along streams that lack a shaded buffer. Once sites are identified, Friends of Trees coordinates volunteer planting events throughout the winter. Events are held from October through May, typically between 9 am and 1 pm. Friends of Trees provides tools, gloves, guidance, and light breakfast snacks. For more information or to sign up to volunteer, visit the Friends of Trees website.

Salem Parks also offers opportunities to plant and care for park trees year-round. Amongst other things, individuals, families, businesses, schools, churches, and other community groups can sign up to volunteer to clear tree circles, rake leaves, pull weeds, spread wood chips, and plant trees. Visit the Parks Volunteer webpage to find out more and contact the Parks Volunteer Coordinator to sign up.

If you are a streamside homeowner or streamside business owner in Salem, you likely qualify to obtain free native trees and shrubs to plant next to your stream. The goal of this program is to increase shade in riparian areas in order to protect water quality and lower water temperatures. If you are a streamside resident and are interested in participating in this program, watch for the letter that is mailed out annually to all of Salem’s streamside property owners. If you have questions about this program or would like to be added to our streamside mailing list, please email stormwateroutreach@cityofsalem.net.

The Pilot Yard Tree Program is a new initiative that the City started in 2021 to help increase tree cover on private property in low canopy neighborhoods. Each year one or two low tree canopy neighborhoods is selected, and residents and property owners in those neighborhoods are notified by mail about the opportunity to acquire low cost and free trees for their yards. Anyone in the selected neighborhoods desiring to participate will reach out to Friends of Trees by calling, using the postage paid return envelope, or by accessing the website using the URL provided in the mailer.

• There is typically a large selection of trees to choose from, including natives and ornamentals, deciduous and evergreen, and even some fruit bearing trees. The selection changes a bit year to year depending on nursery stock availability. Participants should sign up early to get the best selection.
• Each tree is approximately 6 feet tall and will be delivered and planted by a team of volunteers. Friends of Trees will provide ongoing reminders and guidance for caring for your new trees. Residents are expected to water their trees until they are well established.   
• Trees may be planted in either the front or side yard and cost $35 each. If the fee is a barrier for any reason, contact Friends of Trees to find out if you qualify for a fee waiver.
• Trees can also be requested through this program for the streetside planting strip adjacent to your yard. These trees are free, and they require an inspection by one of the City’s arborists, who will also assist in determining the appropriate species of tree for the location given factors such as width of the planting area and utility lines in the vicinity.  
• All trees ordered by the deadline will be delivered and planted on a Saturday during a Friends of Trees volunteer tree planting event. Residents ordering trees can assist in planting the trees, but don’t have to.

Neighborhoods by Year

2023/24 – North and East Lancaster (including the neighborhood previously known as Lansing)

2022/23 – North and East Lancaster (excluding Lansing which was not yet part of NOLA)

2021/22 – North Lancaster

If you have questions or would like to suggest a neighborhood for future participation in the program, please contact NaturalResources@cityofsalem.net.