City of Columbus

A new report shows that Columbus needs to plant 300,000 trees in the next five years to recover from damage caused by insects and severe weather. Some areas have less than 15% tree canopy cover and are in desperate need of new plantings. As a community we can achieve this goal together.  See our progress below in our live tree-o-meter:

Please get involved in one of the following ways:  PLANT A TREE
Earn up to a $100 rebate on the purchase of a tree(s) for your yard while supplies last. Redeeming your rebate is a two step process.  First you'll need to join the city's free  GreenSpot program, pledging to do your part to protect the environment. Next you'll need to take and pass an  online quiz.  The rebate program is administered by Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District on behalf of the City of Columbus.

When planting your tree be sure to:
1. Select the right tree from our approved tree list. Also, Franklin Soil and Water has an annual tree sale, more information can be found here . The last day to order is April 8. 
2. Properly plant a tree or seedling to ensure it will survive and grow. Don't forget- always call OUPS before you dig to protect yourself from underground utilities.    
3. Submit the location of the tree you planted to help keep track of progress towards our goal.

REQUEST A STREET TREE

Submit a request through the City of Columbus' 311 system, by calling 614-645-3111 or visit www.311.columbus.gov and “submit a service request”, type keyword “request a street tree” then follow the prompts. Note: there is a wait list of approximately two years to have the City plant it, however you can request a permit to plant your own street tree.

DONATE A TREE
Make a monetary donation to purchase and plant trees. Donations are tax deductible and can be made online via The Columbus Foundation.  Contributions can be made to honor a loved one. For information on how to make a donation, visit here.

ADOPT A TREE
Care for existing trees in your area. Keep them healthy, watered and trimmed. View a fact sheet about how to properly maintain a tree here.

SIGN UP FOR or ORGANIZE AN EVENT
The City of Columbus Branch Out Columbus program is a proud sponsor of Earth Day 2016. Our goal is to plant 20,000 trees with over 3,000 volunteers during the week of April 16-April 24. Visit www.earthdaycolumbus.org for site information. You can also register to participate in a city tree planting event or plan an event of your own using our online map throughout the remainder of the year. Should you need equipment for your event, Keep Columbus Beautiful can supply you with shovels, rakes, gloves and more.

TALK TO A TREE AMBASSADOR
Experts are available to advise you on tree selection and care at the following organizations:
-OSU Extension Master Gardener at fcmg@osu.edu
-OSU Chadwick Arboretum at 614-688-3479
-City of Columbus Division of Forestry at 614-645-3350
-Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District at 614-486-9613

Thank you to the following organizations who have pledged to support Branch Out!  



If your organization would like to sign on contact Erin at emmiller@columbus.gov