TreeVitalize Allows Homeowners To Have Their Tree Plantings Count Toward Statewide Goal

Pennsylvanians who plant a tree at their home or business can help the commonwealth reach its goal of putting one million trees in the ground statewide by 2012. Citizens can register up to three trees on theTreeVitalize website.

 

“The TreeVitalize program is working with metropolitan communities across the state on tree plantings, and we’d also like to be able to count the new trees that homeowners plant on their properties,” Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Acting Secretary John Quigley said. “Together, we can plant a million trees to help us clean our air and water, make our communities more attractive and increase our property values.”

 

When visiting the TreeVitalize website, choose the icon on the left that says “Have you planted a tree?” From there, residents are asked to fill out a simple form with their contact information, type of tree and when it was planted. Photos of the tree in its new setting also can be included.

 

“Planting a tree is a long term investment in your property and community,” Acting Secretary Quigley said. “With this site, we’re also acknowledging that collectively we can also do great things for the commonwealth and the planet.”

 

The TreeVitalize site includes information on how to plant and care for trees, as well as how to get involved in volunteer community efforts.

 

Responding to an alarming trend of the loss of trees in Pennsylvania’s metropolitan areas, TreeVitalize is a public-private partnership supported by DCNR to help restore tree cover, educate citizens about planting trees as an act of caring for our environment, and build capacity among local governments to understand, protect and restore their urban trees.

 

The overall goal of the program is to help revitalize urban areas by increasing tree cover. Tree cover refers to the percentage of land shaded by trees and shrubs.

 

Tree-lined streets make communities look great, and they also clean the air, provide shade to cool buildings and paved areas, increase property values and help control stormwater.

 

For more information, visit theTreeVitalize website.